Matthews, Kampman express gratitude for support at Packers HOF induction

Green Bay Packers Player Clay Matthews said he is proud to be a part of the Packers Hall of Fame and to have the Green Bay community's support during his NFL career.

Tori Wittenbrock photos

To have my name mentioned alongside some of this organization’s greatest players, coaches and minds is truly special.”

Former Green Bay Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews

GREEN BAY – Former Green Bay Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews and Defensive End Aaron Kampman were inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame at the 53rd annual banquet on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Although Matthews and Kampman both went on to play for different franchises following their iconic career with the Packers, they each expressed their immense gratitude for the support they received during their time in Green Bay.

Matthews

After a 10-season career with the Packers — and one season with the Los Angeles Rams — Matthews’ NFL career ended in 2019.

According to Matthews, the decade he spent in Wisconsin made the state feel like home to him — even though he had no clue where it was on a map prior to being drafted.

“Green Bay was never on my radar. So, almost immediately I hopped online to see where Green Bay was… Wisconsin. ‘Okay, great. Where’s Wisconsin?’” said Matthews.

“For a kid who grew up on the West Coast, never in my wildest imagination did I think I would land in Wisconsin, and I can honestly say, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The USC alum was a first round pick for the Packers and is the current all-time official sack leader for the franchise with 83.5 sacks.

“I’d like to thank the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame for this incredible honor,” said Matthews.

“To have my name mentioned alongside some of this organization’s greatest players, coaches and minds is truly special.”

Matthews was also a six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro player and helped the team to their 2011 Super Bowl XLV victory.

Kampman

Kampman was a fifth round pick for the Packers in the 2002 NFL Draft.

After eight seasons with the Packers, Kampman finished his career with one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Green Bay Packers organization. My wife Linde and I have commented over the years how fortunate we feel to have been chosen by this team because Green Bay was a great fit for us. It’s a special place with many great people,” said Kampman.

The University of Iowa graduate was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his service efforts within the community.

Kampman also earned two Pro Bowl selections during his time in Green Bay.