Clay Matthews mocks Bears fans with Trump joke at NFL Draft

On April 24, 2025, the NFL Draft took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where former Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews made a memorable appearance. Alongside Packers legends such as Ahman Green, Mason Crosby, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson, Matthews stepped onto the stage to kick off the event. Prior to his joke, the crowd was entertained by Commissioner Roger Goodell and rapper Lil Wayne, who humorously rode bicycles onto the stage. After the introductions, Matthews took the microphone, surprising the audience with a message he claimed was from former President Donald Trump, where he poked fun at the Chicago Bears, the Packers' longtime rivals. Matthews said, "I just got off the phone with the president, Donald Trump. He asked me to pass a message along to all 32 NFL franchises. It says, 'My fellow Americans, the Bears still suck!'" The crowd erupted in cheers and applause at his playful remark, demonstrating the ongoing rivalry between the two teams. Matthews, known for his significant career achievements against the Bears, highlighted this rivalry, having dominated the Bears in 19 games with impressive statistics. His presence and the nostalgic rivalry humor resonated well with fans, although it also sparked conversations on social media, with mixed reactions regarding his choice to reference Trump during a sporting event. The event served as both a celebration of NFL legacy and an illustration of how sports can intersect with current events and political figures in unexpected ways. This incident reflects the ongoing passion for sports and the way athletes utilize platforms to engage with fans, blending entertainment with lighthearted rivalry. Clay Matthews’ joke underscores the enduring spirit of competition, while also showing how personalities in sports can transcend the game itself, echoing sentiments that resonate well beyond the playing field. His ability to incite laughter and camaraderie among fellow fans and former teammates at the draft illustrated the importance of connection within sports, bringing together people within a festive context.