Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews on game-sealing interception: I was supposed to 'be the hero'

Published Sep. 13, 2015 6:04 p.m. ET

Jonathan Bradley

The Green Bay Packers defeated the division rival Chicago Bears 31-23 on Sunday to kick off the 2015 NFL season, but the game was much closer than the score would indicate.

In fact, the Bears, trailing 24-16 with a little less than five minutes to play, had a chance to score before a crucial play by Packers All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews all but sealed the win for the Packers.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler completed a pass to tight end Martellus Bennett to convert a third down and put Chicago just outside the red zone with 4:30 left.

Cutler tried to hit Bennett again on the next play, but Matthews stepped in front of the pass and returned it 48 yards to the Chicago 32-yard line.

The Packers would go on to score a touchdown six plays later to secure their first win of the season.

When asked about the play, Matthews told reporters his responsibilities were simple.

"Drop into coverage. Make a pick. Be the hero," he said.

Matthews, who floated between both inside and outside linebacker, finished with six solo tackles, one pass defensed and one hit on the quarterback in addition to his game-changing pick.

The Packers return to Green Bay next week to face the Seattle Seahawks in their home opener, a rematch of last year's NFC Championship game.

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