Hustling through a twisty corridor deep inside Lambeau Field, Clay Matthews strides toward the players’ parking lot with the chilling, outta-my way intensity he normally aims at quarterbacks. The Pro Bowler’s explanation for racing off after this Friday practice includes a bit of breaking news: He’s trying to make a last-second appointment with his—gasp—hairdresser. A Packers employee and a reporter trail the linebacker, and the news stops all in their tracks, including Matthews. He massages the striped wool cap covering his iconic blond locks and imagines the apocalyptic-level response this news might inspire in Hollywood, on Madison Avenue and especially here in Green Bay, where just yesterday the local TV news led with a segment about stores selling out of the new Clay Matthews Christmas tree ornament.Matthews spins around and throws up a hand—wait. Just a trim, he clarifies with a chuckle. A little light grooming in preparation for his infant son Clay IV’s baptism in California, during the Packers’ bye week.
For the past seven seasons, Matthews’ trademark tresses have been everywhere: from a cameo a cappella battle this summer vs. the evil Das Sound Machine in Pitch Perfect 2, to the NFL sack leaders list this fall. Before Week 5, there was even a decent facsimile of Matthews’ locks streaking across the practice field in St. Louis: The Rams prepped for their game at Lambeau by having scout-team linebacker Daren Bates don a Christina Aguilera–style wig to help quarterback Nick Foles and the St. Louis offense identify Matthews’ whereabouts. (For good measure, this season Matthews has also added a beard that, honestly, makes him look like a cross between Vincent van Gogh and Yukon Cornelius.)
This story is from the November 9, 2015 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 9, 2015 edition of ESPN The Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Rape Allegation Against Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Fame's Protective Shield
To be the world’s most famous athlete means Cristiano Ronaldo can appear on screens everywhere yet somehow elude the fallout from a rape allegation.
Michelle Waterson Reps More Than Herself In The Cage
MMA is a violent and unforgiving sport. But instead of shielding her young daughter from her career, Michelle Waterson is bringing her along every step of the way.
Kyler Murray Owns His Future In A Way No Other Rookie Has
As Kyler Murray decides which sport will win his talents, at least one thing is clear: He owns his future in a way no other rookie has.
Kyle Kuzma Turned A Sneaker Obsession Into A Legit Business Opportunity
No eight-figure shoe deal? No problem. The Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma walked his own path to sneaker supremacy.
Bryce Harper Is One Very Big Deal
He’s baseball’s best-known face and now its richest player. In this exclusive interview, the All-Star talks rejecting $300 million, recruiting Mike Trout and becoming a Phillie for life.
Kyler Murray - Will Past Be Prologue For The Possible Top NFL Draft Pick?
Sizable expectations? Kyler Murray’s got a few: go No. 1 in the draft, become a franchise player and—oh yeah— completely blow up decades of doctrine about short quarterbacks.
Eternal Champions
Seven months ago, Brazilian underdogs Chapecoense boarded a plane to play in the game of their lives. Instead, their biggest moment turned into a tragedy no one can forget.
What's In A Name?
With the founder of Bikram yoga facing assault allegations, it seems simple: Studios should distance themselves from his name. But it’s not so easy.
One Formula For Change
To inject excitement back into its races, Formula One needs more than a tweak or new twist—it needs to correct its course.
All About The Goals
U.S. national team hero and Chicago Red Stars defensive midfielder Julie Ertz shares her secrets for keeping her world-champion mindset.
