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No NFL Draft prospect bought to expertise the primary spherical fairly like Texas huge receiver Matthew Golden.
The Texas Longhorns product was amongst these within the inexperienced room behind the stage at Lambeau Area this previous week, patiently ready to listen to his identify referred to as by his subsequent staff. Golden waited lengthy into the night time, however the host staff did one thing they’d not carried out since 2002.
Draft a large receiver.
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Matthew Golden speaks at a press convention after being chosen by the Inexperienced Bay Packers because the No. 23 choose within the first spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Area. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs)
Packers president Mark Murphy had the Inexperienced Bay trustworthy in a frenzy when he introduced Golden as the primary huge receiver taken by the franchise in additional than twenty years, and his reception when he got here out of the inexperienced room sporting the Packers hat and holding his jersey nonetheless doesn’t really feel actual.
“It nonetheless don’t really feel actual to me, that’s what’s loopy,” he informed Fox Information Digital, whereas additionally discussing his time on the draft with Tide. “Like I stated, I’ve been ready to get my identify referred to as since I used to be six, and the best way that it occurred for it to be in Inexperienced Bay, for it to be the primary receiver since 2002, it meant much more to me.
“Lots of historical past behind it, and simply the best way it occurred, I really feel like God made it occur like that for a motive. That’s one thing that’s going to stay with me ceaselessly.”
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Golden had the Packers followers chanting with him earlier than strolling off the stage, as love for his or her new hideout was definitely on full show.
Nevertheless, Packers followers are additionally anticipating quite a bit from him due to historical past. If being a first-rounder was not sufficient stress, coming to a staff with a fan base determined for his or her subsequent high receiver could possibly be.
Golden, although, doesn’t appear to be feeling that stress.
Vast receiver Matthew Golden, proper, embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after the Packers choose him with the twenty third choose throughout the first spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at Lambeau Area in Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin. (IMAGN)
“Undoubtedly no stress, however undoubtedly know I’ve to come back in, I’ve to compete and need to contribute to this staff,” he defined. “That’s one thing that I bought in me, that’s the mentality I’ve coming in. I’ve bought one thing to show, and I’m coming in and assist us win. No matter it’s the staff wants me to do, that’s what I’m right here to do.”
It’s a crowded huge receivers room in Inexperienced Bay, that includes Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, amongst others. All of them have had their names referred to as a technique or one other in 2024, however none of them stepped up for Jordan Love as a real high receiver.
That’s not all the time a nasty factor, however Packers followers would really like their Davante Adams-, Jordy Nelson-, Donald Driver-type huge receiver who can rise above the remainder. Whether or not that’s Golden stays to be seen, however a first-round choose carries that form of weight.
Golden stated he has spoken to Watson and Reed already and couldn’t be extra excited to make his mark on the Packers – in no matter position which may be.
NFL draft prospect, Matthew Golden of Texas, indicators autographs throughout the NFL Draft Crimson Carpet occasion at Lambeau Area in Inexperienced Bay on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (IMAGN)
“They informed me they’re pleased to have me right here, and it’s time to get to work,” Golden stated of his conversations with Watson and Reed. “So, simply coming in and play with guys like that, it’s going to be wonderful. Lots of weapons, so I’m able to get in and contribute to the sport with them and proceed to have enjoyable.”
What Golden instantly brings to the Packers’ offense is extra velocity, working a sub-4.30 40-yard sprint. However he’s greater than only a one-trick pony within the go recreation.
“My route working. I can run any route tree within the ebook – in and out,” he stated. “Wherever it’s, I can line up within the backfield, too. Simply understanding the sport so nicely to the place I can create separation with out working full velocity. I perceive it so nicely – lots of people suppose that I don’t run quick on the sphere, however I don’t need to run quick to get open.
“I do know coming right here to this group, they’re undoubtedly going to assist me quite a bit with different instruments that may assist my recreation. I’m pleased to be right here, I’m pleased to be coached by them, and I’m able to get to work.”
Texas Longhorns huge receiver Matthew Golden is chosen by the Inexperienced Bay Packers because the No. 23 choose within the first spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Area. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs)
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Golden is pleased and enthusiastic about the place his NFL journey will start, and he felt that robust sense of group when he took half within the “Laundry Day Video games” with Tide, alongside former NFL lineman Anthony “Spice” Adams.
“It was cool,” Golden stated about his work with Tide. “Being with Spice, undoubtedly a humorous man to be round. We performed loads of video games, so it was a cool expertise for me. I all the time needed to be in a business video with Tide, and for that to truly occur it was actually wonderful for me.”
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Scott Thompson is a sports activities author for Fox Information Digital.
