Clay Matthews Shares Humorous 2009 NFL Draft Experience as He Remembers His Journey

Clay Matthews Shares Humorous 2009 NFL Draft Experience as He Remembers His Journey

In 2009, Clay Matthews did not find himself in New York City when the NFL Draft occurred. Instead, like many aspiring players, he spent the evening at home surrounded by family and friends, all anxiously awaiting the crucial phone call that would determine his future.

Ultimately, Matthews was selected by the Green Bay Packers, marking a pivotal moment in his football career. This Thursday night, he will have the opportunity to relive that intense experience as he spends time in the Lowe’s Green Room with 2025 NFL Draft prospects eagerly waiting to learn where their professional journey will begin.

Every NFL Draft prospect has a story to tell, whether they are at home or in a special venue surrounded by loved ones. Each one carries the weight of hope and anticipation as they await their turn to step onto the professional stage.

Reflecting on his own experience, Matthews shared, “It’s nerve-wracking to say the least. Unless you’re the player going No. 1 or among the top two or three picks, uncertainty surrounds you regarding your financial security and your destination. I went 26th, and the waiting was intense. I thought Denver might call my name or perhaps Houston, but then New England was on the clock. I really did not expect to end up with the Packers, especially after they had picked B.J. Raji with the ninth pick.

Matthews and his family encountered a delightful moment amid their excitement. His mom humorously mistook the situation when she thought her son had been drafted by the New England Patriots.

During the NFL Draft, the Patriots, who possessed the No. 26 pick, were a likely choice for Matthews, given their need for an edge rusher. However, Green Bay executed a trade with the Patriots, creating a sequence of events that left his mother momentarily confused.

“Green Bay traded up in the draft, and it was all over the screen that I was going there,” Matthews recalled. “But my mom managed to miss that detail completely. She thought I was headed to New England. For about an hour, she was absolutely thrilled—after all, the Patriots under Tom Brady were a powerhouse. It wasn’t until later that she learned I was actually going to Green Bay, and she exclaimed, ‘What?! We’re not going to New England?!’ I remained calm, though. Two years later, we won the Super Bowl, and I achieved remarkable success during my decade with the team.

Matthews enjoyed a stellar career in Green Bay, recognized for his skill and determination. His accolades included six Pro Bowl selections and the coveted title of 2010 Defensive Player of the Year, during which he recorded 13.5 sacks, 60 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, one interception, and 18 tackles for loss. His contributions helped lead the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now retired and honored as a member of the Packers Hall of Fame, Matthews continues to embody the spirit of Green Bay. As this year’s NFL Draft approaches, he finds himself once again in the heart of the action. Alongside NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson, Matthews will engage with players in the Lowe’s Green Room, a space designed to resemble a high-end cigar lounge, while they await their names to be called by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

“It’s incredible to be here right now,” Matthews expressed regarding the Green Room setting. “As someone who was drafted in the first round, but who didn’t have the chance to enjoy the festivities in New York, I can appreciate what Lowe’s has created. The atmosphere is truly remarkable.

He continued, “Having the Draft in Green Bay makes sense. I was just on stage reflecting on what these young men will experience tomorrow night. I hope everyone acknowledges the hard work that has gone into making this event possible—especially from the city itself.

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