Clay Matthews, the iconic linebacker who spent over a decade with the Green Bay Packers, continues to be a vocal supporter of his good friend, Aaron Rodgers. Despite their strong bond and history together, Matthews can't help but acknowledge the struggles of Rodgers and the New York Jets this season.
“It’s been tough to watch,” Matthews admitted when discussing the Jets' disappointing performance. As a former teammate of Rodgers for 10 years, Matthews has seen the highs, including their Super Bowl victory, and the laughs they shared in their memorable State Farm commercials. This summer, during his Packers Hall of Fame induction, Matthews even cracked a joke about Rodgers' use of ayahuasca, bringing the house down at Lambeau Field. But the tone surrounding Rodgers and his new team in 2024 is far from lighthearted.
When the Jets opened the season, hopes were high. After years of struggling, the Jets seemed poised to finally end their 13-year playoff drought with the return of Rodgers, who had been sidelined by an Achilles injury for nearly all of 2023. However, with a 3-7 record and the season slipping away, Matthews, despite his unwavering admiration for Rodgers, couldn't sugarcoat the reality. "It doesn’t look good," he said. “Nobody’s a bigger fan of Aaron than I am. I’m pulling for him, but this isn’t what we expected."
What’s gone wrong for the Jets?
Matthews offered his perspective: "It just feels like a team that’s not clicking, not on the same page." The Jets, sitting at a mediocre 2-3 early in the season, made a bold move by firing head coach Robert Saleh. They followed that up by trading for Rodgers’ longtime friend, Davante Adams, from the Las Vegas Raiders. The two had spent eight years together in Green Bay, forming a formidable duo. Naturally, many expected an instant chemistry between Adams and Rodgers in New York. But that hasn’t happened. The Jets’ offense has continued to sputter, and the expected connection between Rodgers and Adams just hasn’t materialized. "You expect to see that immediate chemistry that they had in Green Bay, but that’s just not the case," Matthews observed.
The struggles aren’t just with Rodgers and Adams. The entire team seems out of sync, with little offensive consistency and no clear solution in sight. Despite their attempts to right the ship, the Jets have won just one game following Saleh’s firing. Their season, once full of promise, has quickly become a major disappointment.
Would Matthews entertain a comeback?
Matthews, now 38 and comfortably retired, was asked if he'd be interested in a comeback, perhaps joining Rodgers in New York. His answer was swift and filled with laughter. “No, no,” he said, firmly putting that idea to rest.
He reflected on his own retirement journey, noting that at the time of his last season in the NFL—after a year with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019—he was 34 years old. While Rodgers, who turns 41 this December, continues to defy the usual expectations for players his age, Matthews is content with his decision to step away from the game.
“I wanted to finish my career with the Packers, get one last run with Aaron, but it just didn’t work out,” Matthews said. “We tried to make it happen in Green Bay, but it wasn’t happening. He had some pull, but not enough.” Though the idea of a final season together with Rodgers would have been special, Matthews doesn’t seem to have any regrets.
Instead, he’s fully embracing his life after football. "I’m too busy taking my kids to flag football, dance, and gymnastics," Matthews shared. "I’m good with where I’m at. I’m busy right now." Matthews has clearly found joy and fulfillment in his new role as a dad, even if it means putting his football career behind him for good.
Packers Playoff Outlook: A Confident Perspective
While the Jets’ playoff hopes are fading, Matthews has more faith in his former team, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are currently sitting at 6-3 as they head into Week 11, holding onto the seventh seed in the NFC. Matthews is confident they have what it takes to make a playoff push. “I think so, I definitely think so,” he said when asked about the Packers’ postseason chances.
Matthews praised the Packers' defense, noting that it's one of the team's strengths. However, he also acknowledged that the NFC is tough, especially with the Detroit Lions sitting atop the standings and the Minnesota Vikings nipping at the Packers’ heels in second place. Both of these teams have already beaten Green Bay at home this season, so the path to the playoffs won’t be easy. “It’s going to be a tight fight to the end,” Matthews predicted. "They’re an exciting team to watch, and I see them in the thick of it at the end."
Indeed, Matthews’ optimism is not unfounded. Despite some bumps along the way, the Packers have shown signs of promise, and with a strong defense and a developing offense, they could very well make a push for the postseason. But as Matthews knows all too well, it’s not just about talent; it's about putting it all together when it counts.
Rodgers and Matthews: A Legacy Together
As Matthews continues to root for his friend, Rodgers, there’s no doubt that the two share a special bond. From their Super Bowl victory in 2010 to their countless laughs in State Farm commercials, their partnership has transcended football. While their paths have diverged—Rodgers to New York and Matthews into retirement—their friendship remains as strong as ever. And even though Matthews doesn’t see himself suiting up again, he still watches from the sidelines, cheering on Rodgers as he tries to lead the Jets out of their struggles.
At the end of the day, Matthews is a competitor at heart, and although he’s content with retirement, his love for the game and his respect for Rodgers are evident. “I’m pulling for him,” Matthews said. “It’s just tough right now, but that’s the nature of the league. You’ve got to keep grinding, and you’ve got to stay positive.”
In many ways, Matthews’ reflections serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where teams and players can go from the heights of success to the depths of disappointment in the blink of an eye. For Matthews, however, whether it’s the struggles of the Jets or the hopes for his former Packers squad, the future remains full of possibilities. And in the meantime, he’s focused on being the best dad he can be. Football may no longer be his full-time job, but it will always be a part of who he is.
With the Packers still fighting for a playoff spot and Rodgers continuing to push through adversity with the Jets, it’s clear that Matthews’ football journey is far from over—just not in the way anyone might have expected. The next chapter for both teams, and for Matthews himself, will unfold with time. But for now, he’s content watching from the sidelines, a proud former player cheering on his friends and his legacy.
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