Bruce Matthews (2005) - USC Athletics Hall of Fame

Bruce Matthews

Induction:
2005
Class:
1983

Bruce Matthews was the most durable offensive lineman in football history. The 1982 consensus All-American guard started for 3 seasons (1980-82) at Troy and even started once late in his 1979 true freshman campaign. Twice an All-Pac-10 first teamer (1981-82), he captained the Trojans as a 1982 senior while winning the Pac-10's Morris Trophy. He was selected to play in the 1983 Hula Bowl. A 1983 first round draft pick of the Houston Oilers, he played every offensive line position during his 19 years (1983-2001) with the team (which became the Tennessee Titans), including appearing in Super Bowl XXXIV. The 14-time Pro Bowler played more NFL games (296) than any non-kicker in history and never missed a game because of injury. In his college and pro career, he blocked for 6 runners who rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. He was the third member of his immediate family to play in the NFL, along with father Clay Sr. and brother (and fellow USC Athletic Hall of Famer) Clay Jr., plus 2 of his sons and 2 of his nephews were NFLers. After his playing days, he was an NFL assistant coach and owned a construction company in Houston.