April 25, 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Matthew Golden, the Green Bay Packers’ electrifying first-round pick, couldn’t hide his excitement after being selected No. 23 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texas wide receiver, a rare first-round WR for Green Bay, vowed to ignite Lambeau Field.
Golden, a 5-foot-11 speedster, blazed a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, pairing it with 58 catches for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024 (NFL.com). His selection ends a 23-year drought since the Packers last drafted a receiver in Round 1 (Javon Walker, 2002).
“I’m home!” Golden beamed at his draft party, per ESPN. “Green Bay’s getting a dawg who’ll fight for every yard.” His bold pledge resonated as the Packers, fresh off an 11-6 wild-card loss, seek a WR1 to replace the injured Christian Watson.
GM Brian Gutekunst, who traded up four spots to snag Golden, hailed his versatility. “Matt’s speed and route-running are elite,” he said. Golden’s 162-yard SEC Championship performance against Georgia showcased his big-game prowess, a fit for Matt LaFleur’s scheme.
Golden didn’t stop at excitement. In a video to Packers fans, he delivered a six-word rallying cry: “We’re chasing that Super Bowl ring!” The message, posted on X, sparked buzz as fans eye a title run with Jordan Love’s 3,947-yard arm (Packers Wire).
The Packers’ receiving corps—Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Watson—lacked a true alpha in 2024, ranking 11th in passer rating. Golden’s 17.0 yards per catch and 2 kickoff return TDs at Houston promise an instant spark (The Athletic).
“I’m here to win, not wait,” Golden told reporters, channeling Aaron Rodgers’ 2005 draft-day grit. His college tape, blending deep threats and slot precision, draws comparisons to Davante Adams, thrilling a fanbase craving offensive firepower.
As Green Bay hosts the draft, Golden’s arrival signals ambition. With $47 million in cap space and picks to address pass rush, he joins Jacobs’ 1,329-yard ground game. Can this Longhorn star deliver a championship to Titletown in 2025?
