The NFL Draft is about to light up Green Bay, turning dreams into reality for 257 young athletes when the first round kicks off Thursday night. For these fresh faces, years of sweat and hustle are about to pay off in the form of a phone call, a jersey, and a shot at football immortality. But amid the confetti and champagne, Packers legend Clay Matthews has a reality check for the incoming class: the real work starts the moment your name is announced.

"Once you’re drafted, everything that’s led up to that point – high school, college, whatever it may be – that all falls away," Matthews shared, speaking from the Lowe's Green Room where first-round hopefuls anxiously await their fate. According to him, draft night isn’t a finish line, it’s the starting gun. It’s a fresh slate, a chance to prove you’re more than a highlight reel. For some, it’s a daunting prospect; for others, it’s the ultimate opportunity to take charge of their destiny.

Matthews would know a thing or two about making an entrance. The Packers traded up in 2009 to snag him at No. 26, a move that paid off handsomely for Green Bay. With a family legacy in the league and plenty of inside knowledge, Matthews still found the transition to pro football a unique challenge. His advice? Master the playbook and be accountable. Coaches aren’t expecting rookies to be superstars overnight; they want reliable teammates who know their role and do their jobs without drama.

But Matthews doesn’t just preach on-field hustle. He’s quick to remind new pros that taking care of business off the field is just as critical. With millions flowing into bank accounts, financial smarts are a necessity, not a luxury. Even with today’s college athletes getting a taste of big money thanks to NIL deals, the reality is sobering: about 78% of NFL players face serious financial trouble after retirement. If that stat doesn’t make you want to call a financial advisor, nothing will.

Matthews credits his family background for helping him dodge the common pitfalls that come with sudden fame and fortune. His message to rookies? Get a solid team in place, trust the experts with your money and marketing, and focus on your craft. Off-field distractions can quickly sideline even the most promising careers.

Draft night is a whirlwind, and Matthews urges prospects to soak it all in. Celebrate the moment, but remember: once the music fades, it’s time to earn your place. The real test is just beginning.

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Clay Matthews Drops Wisdom for NFL Draft Hopefuls: The Real Game Starts After Your Name is Called