Green Bay Packers icon Clay Matthews captured attention during the 2025 NFL Draft with an unforeseen nod to ex-President Donald Trump. While on stage in Green Bay to rally the audience, Matthews humorously claimed to have received a message from Trump that said, “My fellow Americans, the BEARS STILL SUCK!” The light-hearted dig at the Packers’ historic adversaries was greeted with loud cheers from the attendees.
Although fans warmly received the moment, questions arose about how Matthews managed to slip the comment past the NFL, which typically steers clear of political endorsements. In a recent chat on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, the six-time Pro Bowler confessed that he hadn’t sought approval for the remark. “I didn’t notify anyone because I figured the NFL wouldn’t sanction it,” Matthews admitted.
“In today’s political climate, mentioning any political side, left or right, just doesn’t sit well with the NFL.” Despite the possible uproar, Matthews noted that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was “incredibly cool” about the comment when they met backstage, avoiding any official reprimand from the league. Matthews, who spent a decade with Green Bay and was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl 45 victory, remains a cherished figure among Packers enthusiasts.
His antics on draft day further solidified his bond with the franchise and its devoted fan base. At the same time, the Packers made waves with their first-round choice, picking Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden. This was the first instance in 23 years that Green Bay used a first-round pick on a wide receiver, indicating a new draft approach to enhance their offensive capabilities. Matthews, renowned for his passionate leadership and electrifying gameplay during his career, once again demonstrated his ability to energize a crowd.
Whether his Trump mention will have any enduring effects is yet to be determined, but it certainly introduced an unexpected element to the draft events in Green Bay. With the draft concluded, the Packers are now focused on the upcoming season, hoping Golden’s addition will give them the edge they need in their air attack. Matthews, meanwhile, continues to relish his status as a lasting symbol of Green Bay football.
