Green Bay Packers legend Clay Matthews has addressed the viral photos that showed him sporting a significantly different physique, revealing the transformation was the result of special effects for a commercial.
Matthews posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday, confirming he had "had some work done" and sharing a new advertisement for Caesars Sportsbook. In the ad, Matthews appears with a pronounced cleft chin and visibly larger muscles. He described the ad's concept as "completely over the top" and something he was eager to be a part of.
"I know what you’re thinking — someone’s had some work done," Matthews said in the ad, holding up his phone to show the app and adding that it was "nipped and tucked" and "barely recognizable."
The special effects for the advertisement were created by Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning studio Legacy Effects. Matthews clarified that the striking appearance was achieved through makeup and prosthetics.
Earlier, photos had circulated online showing the former All-Pro linebacker looking notably different. One image posted on Friday depicted Matthews in a green sweatsuit, which he later reposted with the caption "Gigaclay" and a muscle emoji.
Matthews played 10 seasons with the Green Bay Packers after being selected 26th overall in the 2009 NFL draft. He won a Super Bowl with the team in the 2010 season. He concluded his career with the Los Angeles Rams, accumulating 91.5 sacks, 519 tackles, 130 tackles for loss, 17 forced fumbles, and six interceptions before retiring in 2019.