Rookie WR Matthew Golden Sends Strong Message to Packers at Charity Event

He has only been a member of the Green Bay Packers for a little more than two months, but Matthew Golden and his teammates are already setting lofty expectations for the 2025 NFL season.

The rookie wideout detailed his goals for his first NFL season, which includes bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay.

Golden, who the Packers selected out of Texas with the 23rd pick of the draft that took place in Green Bay, spoke at a charity event in his native Houston.

What Are Matthew Golden’s Goals For 2025?

Golden’s expectations for the Packers are pretty clear.

“I definitely want to go get that [Lombardi] Trophy,” he told KPRC in Houston. “That’s the last thing we need in that team room and, for us, that’s all we talk about at practice is getting that trophy.

“We’re doing everything we can each and every day to get to that point and just letting the rest be built up by itself.”

The Packers have been knocking on the door of the Super Bowl since coach Matt LaFleur took over. Under him, Green Bay has won double-digit games in four of its six seasons and twice reached the NFC Championship Game.

Yet, Golden was selected to fill a void, which is to get quarterback Jordan Love an explosive playmaker in the passing game. The wideout, who ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in March, expects to be a big-play threat like he was as a member of the Longhorns.

Golden was asked about his relationship with Love, since training camp is mere weeks away from opening, and he provided a candid response.

“You got to build, you got to gain his trust,” Golden said. “For me, it’s just going out there [and] just put[ting] my best foot forward each and every day and just allowing him to know that I’m going to be right where I need to be.

“I just feel like for me it’s going happen over time.“

Golden also spoke about his excitement to play in Green Bay.

“There’s no distractions for me, that’s a good thing,” Golden said. “It just helps me lock in on football, what I really want to do on and off the field. On the weekends, I try to get a little fishing in.

“It’s unique up there. The fans, everything they have in general, it’s different. I’m glad I’m in a good spot with a community that cares about their football players. Every day, anytime I go out, there’s a fan that recognizes me. They want a picture or something. It’s cool for me.”

How Close Did Matthew Golden Come To Playing For The Houston Texans?

Golden was doing charitable work at Dicks Sporting Goods in Houston, and helping youth football players get equipment.

For the first time in his football career, Golden will be playing for a team that is not based in Texas, yet his hometown team reportedly was close to selecting him.

As the No. 2 true wide receiver prospect — behind Tetairoa McMillan of Arizona, though he was also ranked behind two-way Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado — he visited the Houston Texans, who were slated to pick two slots after he was chosen.

Maybe the Texans would not have traded out of the first round if Golden were there. — the New York Giants moved up to their spot to select quarterback Jaxson Dart.

But to Golden it doesn’t matter.

“I just feel like you just never know really until that situation happens, so I’m right where I want to be,” Golden said. “I’m excited for where I am. I am now, for the team I’m about to play for. I’m just ready for this season.”