MATTHEWS SR. DIES AT AGE 88; 49ERS AMONG MOURNERS
santa clara, calif.» Clay Matthews Sr., who was the patriarch of a famous football family, died Thursday, the 49ers announced. He was 88.
Matthews, a former 49ers lineman, had been dealing with a longtime illness.
Matthews was a twoway player for San Francisco for four seasons in the 1950s. He played in 45 games and missed two seasons while serving in the Korean War.
His impact on the NFL is still felt in the 21st century. His two oldest sons, Bruce and Clay Jr., each played 19 seasons in the league. Bruce received seven first-team all-pro selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Clay Jr. was a four-time Pro Bowler for Cleveland.
Five of Matthews’ grandsons have also played in the NFL, including Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews III and Atlanta offensive tackle Jake Matthews.
Oakland not giving up.
With the Raiders gazing at Las Vegas and sticking one foot out the door, the city of Oakland is making a last-minute plea to keep them in the Bay Area.
For the first time, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf on Friday shared details of investors’ plans for a stadium at the Coliseum site, and vowed she and the city are doing all they can to keep the Raiders from moving.
“We’re not giving up in the fourth quarter,” Schaaf said.
In a letter to the NFL, Schaaf shared new, detailed
Bears sign QB Sanchez
B lake forest, ill.» The Bears continued their quarterback makeover by signing veteran Mark Sanchez, who is expected to back up Mike Glennon during the 2017 season.
The Bears cut quarterback Jay Cutler this month after eight seasons and the next day signed Glennon, a former Buccaneers quarterback, to a three-year contract.
Stewart staying put
B charlotte, n.c.» The Panthers signed veteran running back Jonathan Stewart to a one-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2018 season.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Stewart played in 13 games last season for Carolina, running for 824 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 3.8 yards per carry.
Footnotes.
Suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is working out with former Olympian-turned-speed coach Tim Montgomery in hopes of resuming his career. … The Redskins agreed to contract terms with former Rams wide receiver Brian Quick.