The Green Bay Packers have been meticulous in their approach to team building in recent years. Rather than aim for panic moves or blockbuster trades, they’ve placed their trust in the scouting department and steadily built through the draft. This year was no different. The organization realized it needed to find a legitimate WR1, so they entered the 2025 NFL Draft looking to add a star wideout for quarterback Jordan Love.
They fell in love with Matthew Golden and select him at No. 23 overall — the first time they selected a wide receiver in the first round in more than two decades. A Texas standout, Golden was widely regarded as one of the best receivers in the entire class. After impressing throughout the offseason and training camp, how did Golden fare in the Packers’ preseason debut?
Matthew Golden Impresses In Limited Snaps in Preseason Opener
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has always been conservative with his starters playing in the preseason. This year, too, the plan was for the group to get a few reps in before calling it a night with the backups.
But even with the limited playing time, it was clear what Golden brought to the table for the Packers. First, he made a critical catch on the left side with a little over seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Down by a score and facing a 3rd-and-7 situation, Green Bay turned to its rookie, and he immediately delivered. Less than a minute later, he was back at it. This time, it was a 3rd-and-6 scenario as Golden lined up on the right.
Matthew Golden’s first NFL reception!!! pic.twitter.com/AflMZueV1b
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) August 10, 2025
While he didn’t get the completion, he was able to force a pass interference call on one of the most talented cornerbacks in the game, Sauce Gardner. It immediately excited the fan base and gave immediate credence to Love’s recent praise.
Before his third year as a full-time starter got underway, Love sat down with Kevin Clark and immediately named the rookie as the most impressive newcomer on the team so far: “I think he’s shown up since Day 1 and really shown his playstyle. He’s come in really polished and has been making plays since Day 1.”
Most impressive Packers newcomer?
“Matthew Golden,” Jordan Love said without hesitation.
“He’s gonna be a stud.” 👀
“Very aggressive hands, smooth route runner, he’s got speed.”
This Is Football from Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/bIOj3SXuOD
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) August 6, 2025
Going a step further, Love predicted, “He’s going to be a stud.”
Golden finished the game with just one catch for seven yards, but he made his presence felt in his limited snaps.
After two years of not being utilized properly at Houston, Golden transferred to Texas in his junior year, and he immediately exploded for 987 and nine touchdowns.
It led to a first-round selection for the youngster and has put him on the pathway for immediate success in the NFL. As Love prophesied, he’s already shown his prowess on the field. But as he gets more comfortable with the system, all eyes will be on the rookie to see if he can realize his full potential.
