Matthew Golden may have only caught one pass in last Saturday’s preseason opener, but the Green Bay Packers’ first-round rookie wide receiver has already drawn plenty of praise in training camp as the team looks to build on a solid 2024 season that saw them finish third in the NFC North behind the 14-win Lions and Vikings, reloading their offense this offseason in hopes of taking the next step in 2025.
Packers insider Zach Kruse reported that the organization holds rookie Matthew Golden in unprecedented regard, with excitement for the first-round wide receiver soaring to new heights.
I haven't heard the entirety of the Packers organization talk about a rookie like they have with Matthew Golden in a long time. Every time someone is asked, the answer is some variation of, "Yeah, he's good, and he's only scratching the surface of his potential."
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) August 13, 2025
“I haven’t heard the entirety of the Packers organization talk about a rookie like they have with Matthew Golden in a long time. Every time someone is asked, the answer is some variation of, “Yeah, he’s good, and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.”” Kruse said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Expectations are high for Matthew Golden in the Packers
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay drafted Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and see him as their next starting wide receiver, a role they have missed since trading Davante Adams.
The Packers rookie wide receiver played just 12 snaps against the Jets but still made an impact. He caught a slant on third-and-7 against cornerback Brandon Stevens to move the chains, then drew a 6-yard pass interference call on Gardner on third-and-6 from quarterback Jordan Love for another first down.
Golden has already caught the attention of the team’s most important player. Packers quarterback Jordan Love praised the rookie in a recent interview, describing him as polished, smooth, and a playmaker from the first day of practice. If Golden meets expectations, he could transform Green Bay’s offense.
The young Packers receiver acknowledged that he had played in many big games in college, including the SEC championship and two College Football Playoff matchups during his lone season at the University of Texas last year, but he said his first NFL game felt different, even if it was just preseason. With the Packers facing injuries at receiver, he expects to see more action this Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
