Clay Matthews, the former Green Bay Packers linebacker known for his long hair and intimidating presence on the field, suddenly looked very different in photos making the rounds online. At first glance, the images seemed to show the 40-year-old with a dramatically changed face. There’s just one important detail: the photos were made with AI.
Clay Matthews reacts to viral AI photos showing him with a drastically different look
The images, published by TMZ, showed Matthews looking unusually muscular while carrying groceries and wearing a matching dark green outfit. His signature long hair was still pulled into a bun, but his jawline and cheekbones looked noticeably different.
The exaggerated appearance quickly drew attention because Matthews has maintained a recognizable look since his playing days. His long blond hair, thick beard, and intense on-field style helped make him one of the NFL’s most distinctive defensive players, so the digitally altered version was easy for fans to notice.
TMZ joked about the supposed transformation on X and Instagram, writing, “Clay Matthews was spotted out grabbing groceries looking VERY different after apparently getting some work done.”
Matthews, however, appeared to be fully in on the joke. After the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast shared the post, he responded with a simple “Gigaclay” and a muscle emoji.
The joke fits Matthews’ larger-than-life football image. He retired after the 2019 season. He finished as the Packers’ all-time leader in sacks. His career included six Pro Bowl selections, a Super Bowl championship, and more than 90 sacks.
And while the viral photos may have given him a completely new face, one thing apparently hasn’t changed. That is: Matthews still looks built like a linebacker.
The former NFL star will also be part of Netflix’s studio coverage this season alongside Elle Duncan, Michael Irvin and Nick Foles. Their Week 1 assignment will take them to Australia for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams game.
