Clay Matthews Reveals His Biggest Regret: Why He Wishes He’d Retired with the Packers!

Clay Matthews, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time sack leader, has opened up about the one regret that still weighs heavily on his heart—his inability to retire as a member of the team that made him a legend. Known for his fiery passion and ferocious play on the field, Matthews spent a decade with the Packers, earning six Pro Bowl selections and becoming one of the most iconic players in franchise history. Yet, in a candid 2022 interview, Matthews revealed that his greatest disappointment was not being able to finish his storied career in Green Bay.

During the interview, which took place at a promotional event for Tide detergent, Matthews reflected on his 11-year NFL career and admitted that he had always envisioned retiring as a Packers player. “I would have loved to finish my career there,” Matthews said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “I thought I’d get another contract, and everything was going to be fine.” The abrupt end to his time with Green Bay after the 2018 season took him by surprise. Despite his contributions to the team and his strong ties to the Packers’ community, the organization decided to move on, leaving Matthews stunned and disappointed.

Matthews had hoped for a return to Green Bay in 2019. In fact, he believed that the Packers would match any offers he received during free agency. However, he found out through social media that the Packers had signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith, effectively closing the door on his return. “The manner in which it did kinda caught me by surprise,” Matthews admitted, emphasizing how the abruptness of the decision left him feeling betrayed. The Packers’ decision to move on without him was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after all he had given to the organization.

After his departure from Green Bay, Matthews went on to play one final season with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, where he recorded eight sacks in 13 games. While his year with the Rams was productive, Matthews couldn’t help but feel that his career should have ended in Green Bay, the team where he won Super Bowl XLV and built a legendary reputation. “I miss the camaraderie of the locker room,” Matthews said in a 2022 Zoom call, signaling that while he had accepted retirement, he still longed for the opportunity to retire on his own terms with the Packers.

The Packers’ decision to quickly reassign Matthews’ jersey number 52 to then-rookie Rashan Gary only added salt to the wound. Matthews, known for his humor, joked about the move, saying, “The body’s not even cold yet lol,” but it was clear that the gesture stung. Fans echoed his sentiments on platforms like Reddit, expressing their frustration with how Matthews was treated, especially given his status as a Packers legend.

Now retired and focusing on family life, Matthews has found peace, especially with his 2024 induction into the Packers Hall of Fame. However, the missed opportunity to retire as a Packer remains a poignant regret. Matthews hopes that one day he can officially retire as a member of the team, a gesture that would honor his incredible contributions and give him the closure he never got.

Clay Matthews’ story serves as a reminder of the complexities of the NFL business, where even the greatest players can sometimes find themselves unceremoniously moved on from. Despite the disappointment, Matthews’ legacy in Green Bay remains untarnished, and his place in Packers history is secure. As fans continue to cherish his contributions, Matthews’ journey stands as a testament to his unmatched passion for the game and the Packers’ fans who will always remember him.