Wayne Matthews

Wayne Eugene Matthews III (born July 10, 2002) is an American professional football linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and the Old Dominion Monarchs.

Early life Matthews attended Charles Herbert Flowers High School. As a junior, he notched 79 tackles with eight being for a loss, and three sacks. Coming out of high school, Matthews was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Old Dominion Monarchs.

College career Old Dominion As a freshman in 2021, Matthews played in three games where he recorded no statistics, using the season to redshirt. During the 2023 season, Matthews tallied 135 tackles with nine and a half being for a loss, three and a half sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles, earning third-team all-Sun Belt Conference honors.

Michigan State Matthews transferred to play for the Michigan State Spartans.

Professional career

Matthews signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2026.