Matthew Golden Earns Comparison to Former Packers Star Davante Adams
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Matthew Golden poised to electrify Green Bay Packers as new rookie star with speed to burn and big potential
Matthew Golden was drafted by the Green Bay Packers at No. 23 overall in the NFL draft. Golden is expected to fill the void left by the departure of Davante Adams. The 5-foot-11 receiver is one of the nation’s premier long-ball threats. His speed, route-running finesse, and after-the-catch dynamism could very well see him emerge as the go-to target Green Bay has been searching for. The Packers’ offense, which experienced a downturn without a credible deep threat, now looks towards Golden to reignite its explosive potential. The journey from a determined collegiate athlete to a promising NFL rookie encapsulates the essence of sports – the relentless pursuit of greatness against all odds. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Golden, watching eagerly to see if this promising star can indeed turn his potential into performance.
In the vast expanse of the NFL, where talent and ambition collide under the bright lights of fame and competition, a new figure emerges in Green Bay, poised to etch his name into the annals of Packers lore. Matthew Golden, with his blistering speed and undeniable potential, stands on the precipice of becoming the Packers’ most electrifying rookie sensation in recent memory.
Breaking the Mold
For the first time in 23 years, the Packers ended their notable hiatus from drafting a receiver in the first round by selecting Matthew Golden at No. 23 overall. This decision not only marks a significant shift in the team’s draft strategy but also places a considerable amount of faith in Golden’s ability to rise to the occasion. With the unfortunate injury to Christian Watson, Golden finds himself with a golden opportunity to carve out significant playing time in a team thirsty for a dynamic playmaker.
Challenges and Opportunities
While other draft picks for the Packers face their own battles, from transitioning positions to adapting to the NFL’s pace, Golden’s path is uniquely laid out before him. His speed, a trait sorely missed in the Packers’ arsenal, especially in the wake of Watson’s injury, sets him apart. The Packers’ offense, which experienced a downturn without a credible deep threat, now looks towards Golden to reignite its explosive potential.
The Journey from Houston to Texas
Golden’s collegiate journey, marked by a significant transfer from Houston to Texas, underscores his resilience and work ethic. At Texas, he didn’t rest on his laurels but instead earned his stripes, becoming the team’s go-to receiver. His coaches and teammates at Texas saw him as a down-to-earth, hardworking individual who valued the opportunity to prove himself anew. This attitude, coupled with his performance on the field, speaks volumes about Golden’s character and determination.
A Talent Unveiled
Despite his modest stature at 5-foot-11, Golden’s prowess in making contested catches and his exceptional speed have made him one of the nation’s premier long-ball threats. His ability to separate from defenders and make plays even in tight coverage has been well-documented, showcasing a receiver who can truly impact the game in multiple facets.
Golden’s Vision and Ambition
Golden’s own words resonate with a sense of readiness and ambition. His first conversation with Jordan Love, the Packers’ quarterback, was not just an introduction but a declaration of his intent to make an indelible mark on the team and the league. After a year where the Packers’ young receiving corps fell short of expectations, Golden sees an opportunity to step up and fill the void left by the departure of Davante Adams.
The Speedster’s Potential Impact
Golden’s attributes, highlighted by a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, position him as a potential breakout star for the Packers. In an offense that has lacked a true star receiver since Adams, Golden’s speed, route-running finesse, and after-the-catch dynamism could very well see him emerge as the go-to target Green Bay has been searching for.
Reflecting on a Bright Future
As Matthew Golden steps onto the field, donning the historic green and gold, he carries with him the hopes of a franchise and its fervent fanbase. His journey from a determined collegiate athlete to a promising NFL rookie encapsulates the essence of sports – the relentless pursuit of greatness against all odds. In Green Bay, a city renowned for its storied football legacy, Golden has the chance to not just contribute but to become a cornerstone of the Packers’ future success. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Golden, watching eagerly to see if this promising star can indeed turn his potential into performance, lighting up the league with his speed and skill.
Green Bay Packers rookie Matthew Golden delivers promise after signing contract
Green Bay Packers pick Matthew Golden 24th overall in NFL draft. Golden signed four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth over $17 million. Packers hope Golden can be their go-to guy at wide receiver. Golden has 987 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season of college football. He declared for the draft a year early in what had been a significant blow to Arch Manning – who will be without him next year. He has promised to buy his grandmother a house after they lost their family home a few years ago. He will be in a loaded room with Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Saivion Williams in the third round. The Packers have not won a Super Bowl since they won the Super Bowl in Super Bowl XXXIV in Minneapolis in 1998. The team have won just one of their last six games in the NFL, losing to the Denver Broncos in the NFC Championship game in 2008.
The Packers opted to draft former Texas star Matthew Golden with their first-round pick with the rookie making a promise to his family which he can now deliver on after becoming a millionaire
Matthew Golden has signed his contract with the Packers
Green Bay Packers rookie Matthew Golden has promised to buy his grandmother a house after they lost their family home a few years ago, having made himself a millionaire on Tuesday by signing his new contract.
The Packers had an array of options to consider with their first-round pick, but went with Golden who they’ll hope will be the answer to their issues at wide receiver, failing to find a go-to guy since losing Davante Adams. Their starting running back Josh Jacobs openly spoke on the team needing to find a ‘true wide receiver one’ to elevate their Super Bowl aspirations, while adding Golden to a stacked room at the position including Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.
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Golden signed a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth over $17 million – having the ability to make good on his promise to his family while hoping to live up to the hype around him.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers expected to make WR sacrifice that could upset Baker Mayfield READ MORE:
Prior to being drafted, Golden spoke on what he’d do with money from his first contract, stating: “I definitely want to get my grandma a house. We lost our family property a few years back. That place is where I spent much of my childhood, and it would mean a lot to be able to give that back to my family.”
After the news emerged that he signed his deal on Tuesday, Golden took to social media to write: “Thank you God”.
Golden has 987 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season of college football as Quinn Ewers’ primary target at Texas, declaring for the draft a year early in what had been a significant blow to Arch Manning – who will be without him next year.
Matthew Golden was selected 24th overall
The talented pass-catcher will be in a loaded receiver room with the aforementioned receivers, while also adding another in Saivion Williams in the third-round but head coach Matt LaFleur will hope that he can make the jump to be their go-to guy.
One of their receivers, Reed, was said to be frustrated with the amount of players being brought in at the position amid Jacobs words on the team needing help, reportedly wanting to be traded.
But LaFleur does not believe that to be the case. He said: “Well, I gotta say, the first time I saw that, it was a surprise to me because he never once said a word to me. So, that’s all I can really speak on. But, certainly, you have communication with all of our guys. I tell them all the time, it’s about the collection of that whole room and what you’re going to bring to the table. And he’s a guy that’s had two years of a lot of production for us.
Jayden Reed is said to be unhappy with the Packers’ WR situation
“So, my encouragement to him is, ‘Hey, you got to lead that room.’ Because he’s done a great job of that. He’s one of the guys out there, I mean shoot, the other day at practice… he’s coaching up Matthew Golden.
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“He’s a guy I don’t worry about. He’s going to go out there, he’s going to compete, he’s going to compete at a high level, and he’s going to bring up everybody around him as well.”
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Matthew Golden Earns Comparison to Former Packers Star Davante Adams
Matthew Golden Earns Comparison to Former Packers Star Davante Adams. Green Bay Packers rookie Matthew Golden appears ready to receive a major contributing role in his debut, especially with the team’s current injury situation. Fellow receiver Christian Watson is continuing his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in January. The No. 23 pick out of Texas has already displayed his impressive speed and talents during college and pre-draft workouts. He’s also participated in Packers minicamp, as he gets to know his teammates, including quarterback Jordan Love, on the field. He recorded 4.29-second speed in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Draft Combine.
Green Bay Packers rookie Matthew Golden appears ready to receive a major contributing role in his debut, especially with the team’s current injury situation. Fellow receiver Christian Watson is continuing his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in January.
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The No. 23 pick out of Texas has already displayed his impressive speed and talents during college and pre-draft workouts. He’s also participated in Packers minicamp, as he gets to know his teammates, including quarterback Jordan Love, on the field.
With the season still weeks away, it allows for those popular early comparisons to occur. Most of the rookies in the first round are getting compared to other NFL stars, including Golden.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) catches the ball during minicamp.© Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Fox Sports’ NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang shared which franchise star in the league a member of each team could compare to. For Golden, he received high praise, drawing comparisons to former Packers receiver Davante Adams.
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Adams is a six-time Pro Bowler, with two of those coming during two seasons in Green Bay. Now a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, Adams continues to rack up stats and achieve accolades that should put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In his career, he’s achieved over 100 touchdowns and nearly 12,000 receiving yards on 957 receptions. According to Pro Football Reference, his receiving yards total currently has him ranked at No. 33 amongst all receivers, past and present.
Rang contends that Golden appears to be the type of player who will provide Green Bay a suitable replacement for Adams. At March’s NFL Draft Combine, he recorded 4.29-second speed in the 40-yard dash.
That should give him the ability to shed defenders for Love’s passes all over the field. In addition, he provides a strong offensive threat as defenses focus more on stopping Josh Jacobs.
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At Texas, Golden tallied college career highs with 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. The Packers are hoping he continues that success as a rookie and beyond.
As with most rookies, the games and time will tell the story with Golden’s development. However, he has veteran receivers around him to learn from, a solid quarterback, and a team that is hungry to succeed in the 2025 NFL season.
Related: Matthew Golden Reveals Bold Goal for Packers Rookie Season
Related: Packers Predicted To Keep Seven Wide Receivers On Final 53-Man Roster
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Packers Rookie Issues Strong Message After Putting on Jersey for 1st Time
Green Bay Packers fans have every reason for excitement when it comes to rookie receiver Matthew Golden. There is a level of belief that Golden is going to be the missing piece that helps Jordan Love take the elusive step forward. Golden is used to playing in high-leverage spots and will greatly benefit from playing with a far superior quarterback. The one concern with the receiver and the reason he was available for the Packers to select is a lack of size.
There is a level of belief that Golden is going to be the missing piece that helps Love take the elusive step forward. This belief is unquestionably trending upwards after Golden’s latest eye-catching quote.
For any Green Bay fans with a pulse, Golden’s simple seven-word message is going to continue to push excitement to a fever pitch: “Just know I’m chasing greatness… I’m coming.”
Green Bay Packers Fans Are Going to Love Matthew Golden’s Exciting Message
Golden is used to playing in high-leverage spots and will greatly benefit from playing with a far superior quarterback. With Texas allowing Quinn Ewers to finish his college career as the starter, we were robbed of seeing Arch Manning take full advantage of Golden’s speed. Love has an incredible arm that Golden has the quickness to challenge.
It isn’t just speed that makes the Texas product such an exciting addition; he is a crisp route runner and finds ways to get open. Whether against man or zone, the receiver has a great feel for creating space and using his speed not simply to run past defenders but to create throwing lanes.
With this in mind, Golden is quickly going to become a fan favorite in Green Bay. Not since the departure of Davante Adams has this franchise truly had a great number one option. Golden has the ceiling to become this and back up his quote in the process.
The one concern with the receiver and the reason he was available for the Packers to select is a lack of size. Golden is going to have to pick his spots to fight for yardage and be very selective with the hits he is willing to take.
For such a small target to stay healthy at the next level, there is going to need to be the same level of awareness Golden showed at Texas. If this can translate, the Packers have their next star target.
More Green Bay Packers News and Rumors:
Aaron Rodgers Sends Strong Message on Packers Breaking Character After 23 Years With Draft Move
The Green Bay Packers selected Matthew Golden as the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 23 years after they had picked Florida State’s Javon Walker as 20th Overall pick in 2002 at that position. GM Brian Gutekunst even quipped a quick joke, “Well, I really sent in a different name, but Mark (Murphy) just announced what he announced.” The Packers had tried to trade up for Justin Jefferson in 2020 and then Brandon Aiyuk. They tried again just two years down the line, targeting Christian Watson, per Chadd Graff of The Athletic. It all comes down to the circumstances during the draft. The Packers surely didn’t include a promising receiver in their arsenal in the first round. But their second or third rounders? They were enough to complement Rodgers’ offense. Still, the 2022 shock was surprising considering the Packers had just extended the QB’s contract through 2026 on March 15th and made a trade on star receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders two days later.
The Green Bay Packers had selected Matthew Golden as the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 23 years after they had picked Florida State’s Javon Walker as 20th overall pick in 2002 at that position. But interestingly, as many believe, the Packers never really had a problem drafting receivers in the first round. And they had tried before. Gutekunst reportedly attempted to trade up for Justin Jefferson in 2020 and then Brandon Aiyuk. Instead, the Packers landed QB Jordan Love. They tried again just two years down the line, targeting Christian Watson, per Chadd Graff of The Athletic. While they couldn’t move up much, they landed No. 34, just two slots after round one. It all comes down to the circumstances during the draft.
So, while many believe it’s just the team’s outdated philosophy of being ‘set in their ways’, it isn’t entirely true. But there is one former QB that many believe the Packers let down by not trying hard enough. Of course, we’re talking about Aaron Rodgers. And as he sat down for a meet-and-greet with the fans in Austin, he reflected his thoughts on the team finally breaking its ‘tradition’.
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Earlier this week, one audience member asked, “How do you feel about the Packers drafting a wide receiver in the first round?” For Aaron Rodgers, the answer was simple: It’s not about when you get picked but rather how you play.
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“Well, in my 18 years there, we picked three or four offensive players in the first round. I’m counting myself in ’05. In 2010, we picked Bryan Bulaga, who played a big role for us at right tackle. In 2011, we picked Derek Sherrod, who got banged up and never really played. And in 2020, we picked J (Jordan) Love. The other years, we spent on defense. I didn’t throw a touchdown to a first-round pick until…Marcedes Lewis, who obviously wasn’t drafted by us. He was drafted by Jacksonville.
“But people maybe forget how many great second-round receivers…we had, which I can name. Greg Jennings, we had in [2006]. We had James Jones in [2007], I believe, third round. Jordy Nelson, second round, top of the second round, 2008.” That’s when someone yelled to remind Rodgers of an important name he was forgetting. “Davante Adams, thank you, 2014. So, we picked a lot of great players in the second round that I would say really panned out,” the former Packers star concluded.
Long story short: The Packers surely didn’t include a promising receiver in their arsenal in the first round. But their second or third rounders? They were enough to complement Rodgers’ offense. Still, the 2022 shock was surprising considering the Packers had just extended the QB’s contract through 2026 on March 15th and then two days later, made a trade on star receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. Instead, they went for Georgia linebacker Quay Walker at No. 22 and Devonte Wyatt at No. 28 with their only two picks in the first round.
But fast forward to now, Green Bay is now heading toward the 2025 campaign with a rewritten story.
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When the Packers picked a WR at 23rd after 23 years, post-Aaron Rodgers era
Last month in Green Bay, when Mark Murphy announced in front of the home crowd that the Packers were drafting Matthew Golden at 23rd, you can argue that it was one of the most memorable moments for the fanbase. We’re talking about the moment of the decade. Golden entered the NFL draft after recording 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine TDs last season at Texas. Right after the pick, the 5-foot-11, 194-pound star, who even sported a giant ‘G’ necklace on Draft night, gave a shout out, “Green Bay, it’s time.” In Lambeau, it was time for a turnaround.
With a deep receiving corps in Green Bay, folks speculated if Golden can lead his team over the top against the likes of the Vikings, Lions, and the Bears in the NFC North. Carmen Vitali of FOX Sports believes that “If he’s (Golden) treated like a true No. 1… you’re going to have to choose someone that Jordan Love can rely on. And if Matthew Golden can be that guy, live up to his draft position and all of that, I think that can go a long way.”
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The silver lining for the Packers in the last season was that they made it to the playoffs despite a season that was marred by quarterback injuries. Hopefully, the wide receiver’s addition will act as another stepping stone to glory.