Keeping family NFL legacy alive

DAVIE — Dolphins center Mike Matthews remembers the competitive nature of growing up in his family.

When you are part of what is often referred to as the NFL’s first family, even playing the simplest of games could turn into chaos.

And that included Checkers matches against his older brother Jake, a tackle for the Atlanta Falcons.

“You’d be surprised, a couple boards flipped,” Matthews said, smiling. “Any time I beat my older brother Jake, he’s two years older than me, he’d be upset. But we love each other. He’s a great role model for me. I try to follow in his footsteps.”

Matthews, who has been getting reps as the backup during training camp, is a third-generation member from the family in the league. His father, Bruce, played for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans. An uncle, Clay, was an AllPro linebacker with the Cleveland Browns. In all, seven Matthews have played in the NFL.

Mathews said growing up in the family was a unique experience.

“It was awesome,” Matthews said. “I think when I was that young, though, I didn’t appreciate it when my dad was playing. I just enjoyed watching the games. As I’ve grown up, I’ve come to really appreciate the lessons I’ve been taught by him and my brothers and how they paved the path for me and taught me so much.”

Matthews went undrafted out of Texas A & M but spent last season with Pittsburgh. When the Steelers decided not to re-sign him, he was planning on his post-football life. He thought about taking a job in sales but then began fielding calls from teams. The Falcons called first and then he heard from the Dolphins.

He went from thinking it was time to take a job in the “real world” because of family commitments to continuing the family’s name in the NFL.

“I was building up my resume,” Matthews said. “My dad was so happy for me because he knows what I’ve been through. He thought I couldn’t catch a break. I was doing everything right but sometimes that’s how it goes. You can’t control that. You’ve just got to have faith.”

The Dolphins have been impressed since acquiring Matthews in May. His family background has already had an impact

Matthews is just thrilled about the opportunity of continuing the family legacy and not having to leave his football career behind.

“I’m just really grateful I got this opportunity,” he said.