The Viral Trump Takedown: 5 Unforgettable Things Clay Matthews Did At The 2025 NFL Draft

On April 25, 2025, former Green Bay Packers legend Clay Matthews III delivered a moment of pure, unadulterated NFL rivalry gold that instantly went viral, all thanks to a carefully planned, off-script stunt involving former President Donald Trump. The moment, which occurred on stage at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was a perfect blend of humor, audacity, and deep-seated rivalry, cementing Matthews' status as a fan favorite long after his playing days have ended. The now-infamous incident saw Matthews pull out a piece of paper, claiming it was a direct message from the former President to all 32 NFL franchises, only to deliver a savage, four-word punchline aimed squarely at the Chicago Bears. This move dominated sports headlines in the days following the Draft, sparking massive debate and laughter across social media and media outlets like Fox News Digital and AS.com, proving that even in retirement, Matthews knows how to command the spotlight and stir the pot.

Clay Matthews III: Full Biography and Career Profile

The man behind the viral 2025 NFL Draft moment, William Clay Matthews III, is a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker and a Super Bowl champion with a deep family legacy in professional football.

• Full Name: William Clay Matthews III
• Born: May 14, 1986, in Northridge, California
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• NFL Draft: 2009, Round 1, Pick 26 (Green Bay Packers)
• NFL Teams: Green Bay Packers (2009–2018), Los Angeles Rams (2019)
• Career Highlights: Super Bowl XLV Champion (2010 season), 6× Pro Bowl selection, First-team All-Pro (2010), Second-team All-Pro (2012)
• Family Legacy: Grandson of Clay Matthews Sr., Son of Clay Matthews Jr., and nephew of Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. His brother, Casey Matthews, also played in the NFL.
• Retirement: Announced retirement in September 2022.
• Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in August 2024.
• Wife: Casey Noble (Married 2015), an interior designer and former HGTV star.
• Children: William Clay Matthews IV and Madeline Joy Matthews.

The Viral Stunt: What Clay Matthews Really Said About Donald Trump and The Bears

The most talked-about moment of the 2025 NFL Draft didn't involve a player being drafted, but a retired legend delivering a jaw-dropping troll. Matthews, alongside former teammate Ahman Green, was on stage at Lambeau Field to announce a pick. Instead of sticking to the script, Matthews took the microphone and began an unannounced message.

He started by building anticipation, addressing the crowd with a serious tone:

"I just got off the phone with the president—Donald Trump. He asked me to pass a message along to all 32 NFL franchises. Let me tell you what it reads here, alright?"

The crowd, already fired up, erupted as Matthews paused for effect. He then delivered the punchline, a four-word message that is an unofficial anthem for the Packers-Bears rivalry:

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“My fellow Americans, the Bears still suck!”

The moment was electric. The Green Bay faithful went into a frenzy, and the clip immediately became a viral sensation across all social media platforms and sports news sites. The reaction was exactly what Matthews and his team had hoped for.

The Backstory: How Matthews Pulled Off the Unapproved Political Troll

The stunt was far from spontaneous; it was a calculated move by Matthews to make his Draft appearance memorable.

Matthews later revealed on a podcast that the entire idea was his, stemming from a desire to do more than simply "scream into the mic" like previous Draft legends. He wanted an unforgettable moment.

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He knew the political angle was risky. Matthews admitted he did not inform the NFL, knowing the league would never approve a political reference in the current climate, regardless of which side was mentioned.

To make the prop convincing, Matthews’ wife, Casey Noble, provided crucial assistance. She reportedly photoshopped Donald Trump’s official letterhead onto the note he read from the stage. This level of detail ensured the moment landed perfectly.

The message itself—"The Bears still suck"—is a classic, long-running chant in Green Bay, perfectly capitalizing on Matthews’ dominant 16-3 career record against the Chicago Bears.

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Clay Matthews’ Nuanced View on Politics and the NFL’s 'Climate'

While the 2025 Draft stunt involved a major political figure, Matthews has previously expressed a measured perspective on the intersection of sports and politics. His comments suggest a desire to focus on unity and respect for service members, despite the highly polarized environment he referenced.

The NFL's Political Sensitivity

Matthews’ decision to go "off script" and not inform the league highlights the NFL's cautious approach to political commentary. He was acutely aware that mentioning any political affiliation, whether left or right, would likely be vetoed by the organization.

This awareness demonstrates Matthews’ understanding of the modern sports landscape, where political affiliations often draw strong reactions from fans and can lead to controversy. His choice to use the Trump reference purely for comedy and rivalry, rather than a genuine political statement, was key to its success and positive reception among Packers fans.

Focus on Service and Unity

In a separate interview around the same time as the Draft, while discussing his partnership with USAA for the NFL's "Salute to Service" campaign, Matthews offered a non-political message of unity.

He emphasized that regardless of the "political climate" and whether people agree or disagree with any politician, the focus should remain on supporting the U.S. military members who put their lives on the line for the country.

This duality—using a political figure for a comedic troll while simultaneously advocating for non-partisan support of the military—paints a picture of a retired athlete navigating the complex modern media landscape with a clear focus on entertainment and respect for service. The "Trump" note was simply the vehicle for delivering a legendary, rivalry-fueled jab that will be talked about for years to come.

Beyond the Draft: Clay Matthews’ Current Life and Activities in 2025

Since officially retiring in 2022 and being inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2024, Clay Matthews III has remained active in the football world and media.

His post-NFL career includes media appearances, brand partnerships, and focusing on family life, often sharing his wisdom with the next generation of players.

• Media and Podcasts: Matthews is a frequent guest on sports talk shows and popular podcasts like "Bussin' With the Boys," where he discussed the details of his Draft stunt.
• Mentoring Rookies: He has given advice to 2025 NFL Draft prospects on successfully transitioning from college to the professional level, emphasizing what it takes to succeed both on and off the field.
• Corporate Partnerships: Prior to the 2025 Draft, Matthews partnered with brands like Lowe's, the Official Home Improvement Partner of the NFL, to promote the "Draft Green Room Built by Lowe's." This collaboration also involved a charitable donation of products to Habitat for Humanity International following the event.
• Family Focus: In retirement, Matthews has enjoyed watching his children begin to understand their father's career, with his youngest even copying his famous "Predator" sack celebration after seeing clips on YouTube.

The viral moment at the 2025 NFL Draft serves as a perfect example of Matthews’ enduring connection to the Packers fan base and his ability to generate buzz. By leveraging the political connection to deliver a classic sports rivalry joke, he successfully created an iconic, unforgettable moment that overshadowed many of the actual picks made that night. The legacy of Clay Matthews III, the player, is secure, and his legacy as a legendary troll is just beginning.