Doctored images of former NFL linebacker Clay Matthews featuring exaggerated facial features went viral over Labor Day weekend, only to be revealed as part of a promotional campaign for the revamped Caesars Sportsbook app. The images, which were amplified by TMZ, depicted the 40-year-old former player with a significantly modified jawline and defined cheekbones, sparking widespread speculation about potential cosmetic surgery.
Former NFL Star’s Viral “Transformation” Revealed as Sportsbook Ad
Matthews, who retired after the 2019 season, confirmed on Wednesday that he was in on the joke the whole time.
The we've had some work done
campaign was timed to coincide with the kickoff of the 2026 NFL season. According to Matthews, the premise of the advertisement is that the Caesars app has undergone its own “glow-up” or ultimate transformation,
which he mirrored in the ads. In a sponsored video on X, Matthews described the app as being nipped and tucked
and barely recognizable.
Prosthetics and Special Effects Over AI
While many social media users and an X Community Note initially suggested the images were AI-generated, the transformation actually involved physical prosthetics and professional makeup. Matthews told USA TODAY Sports that he worked with makeup artists who have previously collaborated with comedian Druski for skits. The dramatic look, which Matthews referred to as “Gigaclay,” was created by the Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated special effects studio Legacy Effects.
Matthews noted that the process gave him a newfound respect for Hollywood actors who spend hours in makeup chairs. Although he expressed that the final product was absolute comedy gold,
he admitted that by the end of the production day, he was ready to rip everything off.
The Rollout and Public Reaction
The campaign began on Friday, Sept. 4, when TMZ posted photos of Matthews hailing a cab and grabbing groceries while wearing a matching dark green set. The images showed Matthews looking absolutely jacked
with a strong, square jaw. While some fans were confused, others questioned if Matthews had spent his money on plastic surgery or accused the media outlet of lacking ethics. Other users correctly identified the posts as advertisements, noting the inclusion of “#ad” at the end of the tweets.
Career Background and Upcoming Appearances
Matthews is a Green Bay Packers legend who was selected 26th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Over an 11-season career that included a tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, he achieved the following statistics and honors:
- Six Pro Bowl selections
- Super Bowl championship with Green Bay (2010 campaign)
- 91.5 career sacks
- 519 tackles
- 130 tackles for loss
- 17 forced fumbles and six interceptions
Beyond the promotional campaign, Matthews is scheduled to appear as part of Netflix’s studio team for the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game held in Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. He will join Nick Foles and Michael Irvin for the game’s pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage.
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