Clay Matthews responds to AI photos posted by TMZ that show faux new look

Claymaxxing.

That's the joke behind the TMZ-published photos of former Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews that were obviously generated by artificial intelligence.

"Clay Matthews was spotted out grabbing groceries looking VERY different after apparently getting some work done," the post on X from TMZ said.

TMZ categorized the post as an advertisement on X and a paid partnership on Instagram. Although the site has not yet revealed the entity paying for posts, Matthews appears in on the joke.He responded to a post from the Bussin' With the Boys" podcast by posting Gigaclay" with a muscle emoji.

Gigaclay https://t.co/ZGVW5FfmVG

- Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) September 4, 2026

Matthews' jawline and cheekbones were clearly altered digitally, although his patented long hair remained, in the posts.

He will be part of Netflix's studio coverage this season alongside host Elle Duncan, Michael Irvin and Nick Foles. Their Week 1 assignment will take them to Australia for the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Los Angeles Rams.

The Packers' all-time leader in sacks, Matthews retired following the 2019 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clay Matthews responds to AI photos posted by TMZ that show faux new look