Clay Matthews' face went viral after crazy TMZ photos. Here's what's going on

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Clay Matthews' face went viral after crazy TMZ photos. Here's what's going on

Clay Matthews' face went viral after crazy TMZ photos. Here's what's going on

Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Wed, Sep 9, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Clay Matthews was in on the joke the whole time.

Matthews partnered with Caesars Sportsbook for a "we've had some work done" campaign to coincide with kickoff of the 2026 NFL season. Doctored images of Matthews – aka "Gigaclay" – that were amplified by TMZ went viral before and during the Labor Day weekend.

Matthews did not actually have any cosmetic surgery but was ready for the pictures to stir up some drama and went headfirst into the "looksmaxxing phase," featured by bigger jawline and defined cheekbones.

The NFL just dropped eight redesigned Nike 'Rivalries' uniforms for 2026. Find out which ones score big

(Nike)

**#1 - Minnesota Vikings**
**Debut date: Dec. 20 vs. Lions**The Vikings ' Rivalries look pairs a deeper purple color scheme with Norse-inspired details.

(Nike)

#2 - Tennessee Titans
Debut date: Nov. 15 vs. Jaguars
The Titans ' navy Rivalries uniform celebrates Nashville's "Music City" identity with neon-inspired numbers and music-themed design elements.

(Nike)

**#3 Jacksonville Jaguars**
**Debut date: Nov. 1 vs. Colts**
Jacksonville 's cream-colored Rivalries uniform draws inspiration from the city's coastal culture, featuring custom script lettering and jaguar-print details.

(Nike)

**#4 Green Bay Packers**
**Debut date: Oct. 11 vs. Bears**
The Packers ' alternate look incorporates vintage green tones and design details inspired by the franchise's unique tradition of public ownership.

(Nike)

**#5 Indianapolis Colts**
**Debut date: Sept. 27 vs. Texans**The Colts ' design updates classic team elements with dark blue, black and gray accents while highlighting the franchise's horseshoe imagery.

(Nike)

**#6 Detroit Lions**
**Debut date: Nov. 1 vs. Vikings**
Detroit 's Rivalries design features Honolulu blue accents, carbon-fiber-inspired numbers and elements reflecting the city's automotive heritage.

(Nike)

**#7 Houston Texans**
**Debut date: Nov. 19 vs. Colts**
Houston 's all-white Rivalries uniform features chrome-inspired finishes and blue numbers influenced by the city's iconic ‘Be Someone’ bridge.

(Nike)

**#8 Chicago Bears**
**Debut date: Dec. 25 vs. Packers**
The Bears ' Rivalries uniform blends deep blue and burnt orange colors with details honoring George Halas and the franchise's historic roots.

(Nike)

"I'm leaning into it right now," Matthews told USA TODAY Sports before the campaign officially took off Sept. 9. "I think once everybody sees this, they're going to feel one way or another. The reaction I have gotten from everyone has been 'absolute comedy gold.' And that's what we're trying to do, is have fun, obviously let everyone know what Caesars Sportsbook app is all about and the transformation they've made. It's just something that's a lot of fun ... really happy with the final product."

The premise for the advertisement is that the Caesars app has revamped itself, a "glow-up," Matthews said.

"It's just an ultimate transformation, much like myself," Matthews said. "It was something that was new. It was something that was intriguing.

"I think everyone is really going to enjoy this spot."

Matthews now has a newfound respect for Hollywood actors who spend hours in the chairs of makeup artists for prosthetics fitting. For the video component of the Caesars ad campaign, he worked with the same artists who have collaborated with the comedian Druski for his skits.

"That's what we were able to pull off, with these prosthetics, was just comedic timing, relief, and overall, it was a lot of fun. It was a good time," Matthews said. "I will say, at the end of the production day, I was ready to rip everything off."

Watch our full conversation with Matthews here: