Former NFL star Clay Matthews electrified the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay with a surprise appearance, delivering a cheeky Donald Trump-inspired message mocking the Chicago Bears, while sharing heartfelt memories of his own draft journey and voicing support for Green Bay’s defensive future.

In an unexpected and theatrical moment during the 2025 NFL Draft, former Green Bay Packers star linebacker Clay Matthews III took the stage in Green Bay and ignited both nostalgia and controversy with a bold message wrapped in humor and old-school rivalry.

With a booming voice and infectious energy, Matthews addressed the crowd with a statement that instantly went viral: he claimed he had just spoken with Donald Trump, who wanted to pass along a very specific message to the NFL—“The Bears still suck.”

The line, referencing the Packers’ historic rivalry with the Chicago Bears, sent the hometown crowd into a frenzy of laughter and cheers.

Dressed in casual attire but carrying the unmistakable charisma of a seasoned NFL legend, Matthews looked right at home. T

his wasn’t just a cameo—it was a return to the city where he built a decade-long career, won a Super Bowl, earned six Pro Bowl selections, and became a defensive icon for the Packers.

Drafted 26th overall in 2009 out of USC, Matthews quickly cemented his place as a fan favorite, known for his long blonde hair, aggressive play style, and leadership on the field.

Now, years after his final snap in Green Bay, he was once again the center of attention, but this time it was his words—rather than tackles—that made headlines.

His comedic moment came as he introduced one of the early picks in the draft, holding up a sign with the now-famous line, “The Bears still suck,” allegedly at the request of Trump. The move wasn’t political in nature, at least not overtly.

Rather, it was a theatrical nod to Matthews’ love of the game, the community, and the eternal Packers-Bears rivalry that has spanned more than a century.

The crowd, predominantly made up of Packers fans, responded with roaring approval, appreciating the jab more as a cultural tradition than a political dig.

But the theatrics weren’t the only highlight of Matthews’ appearance. He shared a personal story about his own draft day experience in 2009, adding a humorous touch to the night.

He recalled how his mother, during the confusion of the fast-paced draft broadcast, initially thought he had been selected by the New England Patriots. At the time, the Patriots were in the midst of their Tom Brady-led dynasty, and she was ecstatic.

It wasn’t until later that she realized he was headed to Green Bay—a moment that left her stunned but proud. The anecdote offered a touching, humanizing look into the emotional rollercoaster that draft night can bring to players and families alike.

Matthews didn’t shy away from sharing his hopes for the Packers’ future either. While he joked about his own bias as a defensive player, he made it clear he wants to see Green Bay invest in defensive talent.

With the Packers’ draft strategy in focus, many mock drafts predict they will pursue defensive ends or linebackers to reinforce their front line—something Matthews wholeheartedly supports.

His insight, drawn from years of NFL experience, lent credibility to the evening’s commentary and provided fans with something to consider as the draft continues.

Beyond football, Matthews was also on hand to promote his partnership with Lowe’s, who sponsored a luxurious “Draft Green Room” built to resemble an upscale cigar lounge. The space was designed as a haven for draftees, offering them comfort amid the chaos of draft night.

Once the draft concludes, the entire lounge will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International—another element of the night that showed Matthews’ commitment not just to the game, but to meaningful causes outside it.

Matthews has long been known for combining charisma with activism and humor, often walking the line between sports figure and cultural personality. His ability to captivate a crowd, whether on the gridiron or on stage, remains as strong as ever.

His reappearance at the draft served as a reminder of his legacy in Green Bay and reinforced his enduring popularity. Despite retiring from professional play, his name continues to carry weight—especially in a city where football is a year-round obsession.

The 2025 NFL Draft, hosted in the heart of Packers country, had already been buzzing with anticipation, but Matthews’ surprise appearance elevated the spectacle to a whole new level.

His blend of humor, legacy, and a little bit of trolling made the night unforgettable—not just for draftees hoping to launch their careers, but for fans who relished the reminder of what makes football so special: rivalries, memories, and personalities that never fade.

As the draft rolls on, the echoes of Matthews’ booming declaration—whether taken as a joke, a jab, or a tradition—are still ringing in the ears of fans.

And whether the Bears can prove him wrong in the coming season remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in Green Bay, Clay Matthews’ legend isn’t going anywhere.