Football rivalries are usually built on three things: history, proximity, and a healthy dose of pure, unadulterated petty energy. If you grew up in the Midwest, you know exactly how this goes. The Packers and the Bears have been at each other's throats for over a century. It's the oldest rivalry in the NFL. But even by those standards, what Clay Matthews did at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay was something else entirely.
People are still talking about it. Honestly, it might be the most "Green Bay" thing to ever happen during a league event. Matthews took the stage in front of a sea of green and gold and basically detonated a logic bomb of trash talk that left half the internet laughing and the other half—mostly in Chicago—fuming.
The phrase Clay Matthews the Bears still suck isn't just a meme; it’s a lifestyle in Wisconsin. But where did that specific moment come from? And why did it involve a fake letter from the President?
That Wild Night at the 2025 NFL Draft
Picture this. The 2025 NFL Draft is being held right in the shadow of Lambeau Field. The energy is high. Fans are everywhere. Roger Goodell and rapper Lil Wayne roll out onto the stage on bicycles—yes, bicycles—because apparently, that's how we do things now. Then, the Packers legends come out: Ahman Green, James Jones, Mason Crosby, Jordy Nelson, and the man with the hair, Clay Matthews.
Matthews grabs the mic. He looks serious. Way too serious. He tells the crowd he just got off the phone with the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
You could hear a pin drop for a second. In today's hyper-polarized world, bringing up politics at a football draft is a risky move. The crowd was half-cheering, half-confused, and definitely bracing for something awkward. Matthews pulls out an envelope. He unfolds a letter. He pauses for maximum dramatic effect, leaning into the mic like he's about to announce a national emergency.
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"My fellow Americans," he deadpans. "The Bears still suck!"
The place absolutely exploded. It was a masterclass in trolling. He used the "presidential message" trope—a classic bit of American comedy—to deliver the most fundamental truth known to any Packers fan. It wasn't about politics. It was about the fact that no matter who is in the White House, the Bears are probably going to lose to the Packers.
The History of a Very Specific Insult
Where did the phrase "The Bears Still Suck" actually come from? It’s not just something Clay made up on the spot. If you've ever stepped into a bar in Door County or a tailgate at Lambeau, you've heard the song.
Basically, it's a polka. Specifically, "The Bears Still Suck Polka" by a group called the Happy Schnapps Combo. They released it back in 1992 on an album called Raise It!. The lyrics are legendary among Cheeseheads. They mock everything from Jim McMahon to the fact that Chicago fans have to pay a toll just to get to their own stadium.
"The Bears still suck, the Bears still suck... they really, really, really, really, really, really suck!"
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It’s catchy. It’s mean. It’s perfect.
Clay Matthews didn't just adopt the phrase; he lived it during his career. During his ten seasons in Green Bay, the Packers went 17-4 against Chicago. Think about that. He spent a decade treating the Bears like a personal tackling dummy. He recorded 9.5 sacks against them in the regular season and helped knock them out of the 2010 NFC Championship Game on their own turf. When Clay says the Bears still suck, he’s speaking from a position of authority. He has the receipts.
Why Chicago Fans Aren't Laughing
If you're a Bears fan, this whole saga is probably exhausting. You had to watch Aaron Rodgers yell "I own you!" at the Soldier Field crowd, and now you have a retired linebacker showing up at the draft to keep the bit going.
The Bears actually tried to fire back on social media right after the draft stunt. They posted a simple photo of kicker Cairo Santos celebrating a game-winning field goal at Lambeau. It was a "we have the last word" kind of move. But let's be real: when your rival has a literal anthem dedicated to how much you suck, a single tweet feels like bringing a knife to a tank fight.
The 2025 season hasn't been kind to the narrative either. While the Packers were navigating the Jordan Love era with surprising success, the Bears were—well, they were being the Bears. There’s a certain comfort in the status quo, I guess.
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The Viral Aftermath and "Cheese Traitor" Rumors
Post-draft, things got weird. A photo started circulating on Reddit and Twitter showing Clay Matthews looking... disgruntled... in what appeared to be Bears-related gear or a "Cheese Traitor" context.
Fans went into a tailspin. Was it a lost bet? Was it AI? Honestly, it looked like a classic case of a guy losing a high-stakes wager with a friend. We’ve all seen it: the die-hard fan forced to wear the rival's colors because their team blew a 4th-quarter lead. But given Clay's history, the idea of him actually supporting Chicago is about as likely as a blizzard in July.
He even went on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast to talk about the draft stunt. He admitted the whole "Trump letter" thing was a setup to get the crowd's heart rates up before dropping the punchline. It worked. It went viral because it played on the tension of the moment and released it with a joke everyone in the room understood.
Actionable Takeaways for the Rivalry
If you're looking to bring this kind of energy to your next tailgate, there are a few things to keep in mind about the "Bears Still Suck" culture:
- Know the Anthem: If you don't know the words to the Happy Schnapps Combo polka, you're only half-prepared. Learn the "one lousy Super Bowl" line—it's the most effective weapon in the arsenal.
- Respect the History: The rivalry is fun because it's old. It's not just about the current roster; it's about Butkus, Nitschke, Favre, and Urlacher.
- Timing is Everything: Clay succeeded because he waited for the silence. If you're going to talk trash, don't scream it into a void. Wait for the moment when everyone is listening, then drop the hammer.
- Don't Take it Too Seriously: At the end of the day, Matthews was laughing. The crowd was laughing. Even some Bears fans (the ones with a sense of humor) could appreciate the "presidential" delivery.
The Packers-Bears rivalry is fueled by these moments. Whether it's a "message from the President" or a linebacker with a grudge, the sentiment remains the same. As long as there are two teams in the NFC North wearing green and orange, someone is going to be there to remind the world that some things never change.
For the most authentic experience, grab a brat, find a recording of that 1992 polka classic, and remember that in the world of Clay Matthews, the Bears still suck—and they probably always will.
To keep up with the latest in NFC North drama, you can follow the official team social media accounts or check out the "Bussin' With The Boys" archives for the full interview where Clay breaks down the stunt.