Clay Matthews, the former linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, made a memorable appearance at the NFL Draft on Thursday night in Green Bay. Known for his time with the Packers and a Super Bowl win, Matthews brought some humor to the event with a playful jab at the Chicago Bears, the Packers’ long-time rivals.
As he stood on stage alongside NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other Packers legends, Matthews joked that he had just spoken with former President Donald Trump. He then relayed a lighthearted message purportedly from Trump to all 32 NFL teams, declaring, “My fellow Americans, the Bears still suck!” This comment drew cheers and laughter from the crowd, highlighting the fierce rivalry between the Packers and Bears.
Matthews’ playful dig came after he made a grand entrance on stage, riding a bike, a nod to a fun tradition during Packers training camp where players ride young fans’ bikes. His remarks were part of a night filled with nostalgia and excitement as fans gathered to celebrate the NFL Draft.
During his impressive career from 2009 to 2018, Matthews faced the Bears 19 times, winning 16 of those matchups. He played a key role in the Packers’ Super Bowl victory in 2011, famously forcing a crucial fumble against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The connection between the Packers and Trump has been noted in recent years, especially with other former players like Brett Favre expressing their support for the former president. Favre even campaigned for Trump during the 2024 election, emphasizing a shared belief in winning.
Trump’s influence in Wisconsin was evident in the election results, where he narrowly defeated Kamala Harris by just under 30,000 votes. Matthews’ humorous remarks at the draft not only entertained fans but also reflected the ongoing culture of sports and politics in America.