Rashan Gary Speaks Out On Why He Took Clay Matthews’ Number After His Departure

The offseason and Packers drama seem to go hand in hand this year.

Following the departure of Clay Matthews this offseason, the official Twitter account for the Green Bay Packers posted a photo-shopped picture of the #12 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft Rashan Gary in full uniform and rocking the #52.

That number, of course, belonged to Clay Matthews during his illustrous time there before he departed for the Los Angeles Rams.

Clay called them out on it:

??? The body’s not even cold yet lol

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) April 29, 2019

On Friday, the former Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman spoke to reporters and gave a valid reason as to why he chose that number:

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Rashan Gary says he requested No. 52 — you know, since it was open — but not for the reason you might think. To Gary, it was the closest he could get to his college number, since 5 minus 2 equals 3.

But, yes, he knew who was last #Packers player in 52. He’s not shying from that.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) May 3, 2019

No shying away from the big guy. Being selected so high in the draft, the Packers just hope he lives up to expectations as well as his new contract.

Rashan Gary’s contract as the No. 12 overall pick is in. Here’s the breakdown:

Total pay: $15,877,312 ($3,969,328 APY over 4 years) plus fifth-year club option.

Signing bonus: $9,567,136.

Base salaries: $495,000 (2019); $1,216,696 (2020); $1,938,392… https://t.co/K3WjNDt4N5

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 3, 2019