GREEN BAY, WI- For the first time in over two decades, the Green Bay Packers used a first-round pick on a wide receiver—and the moment couldn’t have been more special.
With the 23rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the 13-time world champion Packers selected Matthew Golden, the explosive wide receiver from the University of Texas, making him the first receiver the franchise has taken in the first round since 2002.
The pick wasn’t just historic. It was personal. Emotional. And, according to Packers brass, absolutely the right move. “He’s authentic and genuine,” said General Manager Brian Gutekunst. “He’s been through some things in his young life, come out the other side of it, and he knows who he is. He loves football, and I think he’s going to be a great teammate around here.”
The atmosphere in Green Bay was electric. With the NFL Draft taking place in Titletown for the first time, fans packed the streets in green and gold, erupting when Golden’s name was announced.
But for Golden, the moment was bigger than the flash and fanfare.
“It was always a dream of mine to go in the first round,” Golden said, holding back emotion. “When the Packers called, I had a feeling. And when they said they were picking me, man, it was just a lot of excitement. A blessing.”
Golden, who began his collegiate career at Houston before transferring to Texas, turned heads with his explosive playmaking, strong hands, and fearless attitude. But it wasn’t just his on-field ability that stood out.
“Everyone we talked to—at Houston, Texas, coaches, teammates—they all said the same thing: this kid is different,” the executive added. “And when we met with him, that really came through. He’s wired the way we want our guys to be.”
The Packers had options on the board. Trade offers were reportedly in play. But when it came time to make the pick, the decision was clear.
“Honestly, we were just watching the board,” Gutekunst said. “We had a couple players we were discussing, but when it came down to it, we just felt this was the right move for the Packers. All that other stuff—crowd reactions, chants, atmosphere—that all hit afterward. And yeah, it was pretty neat.”
Golden now joins a young, talented Packers receiver room and will be counted on to contribute early as the team looks to keep pace in the ever-competitive NFC North.
And for Golden, the moment isn’t just about breaking a 22-year drought or making draft history. It’s about fulfilling a dream—and writing the next chapter in his football journey.
“To be that guy, the first one since ’02 to get picked by the Packers in the first round… that means everything,” Golden said. “I’m ready to work. Let’s go.”
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