Clay Matthews has wise words for NFL Draft prospects, including what to do off the field

Green Bay Packers legend Clay Matthews knows what it takes for rookies to transition well from college to the pros -- on and off the field.

Dreams turn into reality for many NFL prospects starting Thursday night in Green Bay when the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off with its first round. 

Throughout the weekend, hard work will pay off for 257 players, and many more will be undrafted free agents joining a team in training camp as well.

But, while celebration is sure to ensue after the long journey to get to this point, Green Bay Packers legend Clay Matthews hit these prospects with a bit of reality in a recent conversation with Fox News Digital. 

GET FULL 2025 NFL DRAFT COVERAGE WITH REAL-TIME PICKS, EXPERT ANALYSIS AND CAN'T-MISS MOMENTS

Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews after their game Dec. 30, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Mark Hoffman/USA Today Network)

"What I found about draft night is, once you’re drafted, everything that’s led up to that point – high school, college, whatever it may be – that all falls away," he said while in the Lowe's Green Room, where first-round prospects like Travis Hunter, Ashton Jeanty and more will be present on Thursday night awaiting to see who they will be playing for in 2025. 

Now, Matthews' comments are not meant to scare prospects. In fact, he views that moment after being drafted as the opportunity of a lifetime – proving you're worthy of the pick. 

"It’s a fresh slate, which for some may be difficult, but for others it’s an opportunity," he explained. "So, I looked at it as an opportunity to go prove myself and a lot of these other young men will as well.… Now it’s up to you, and you can kinda control your own destiny at that point."

CLAY MATTHEWS