Matthew Golden Gets Honest About Packers Expectations: ‘You Just Never Know’

Green Bay Packers first-round draft pick Matthew Golden got honest about his expectations for his first season Sunday, telling hometown news outlet KPRC 2 the future appears bright for his new squad.

The Packers selected Golden 23rd overall during the 2025 NFL Draft, which was hosted at Lambeau Field. The crowd of roughly 600,000 erupted during the announcement, illustrating the hype behind the young star.

Golden said during the interview he is hopeful about his potential to bolster the team’s passing game.

Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Matthew Golden speaks in a press conference after being selected by the Green Bay Packers as the number 23 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.

© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

“Definitely want to go get that Lambeau trophy, man,” Golden said. “That’s the question mark we got in our team room is just filling in that blank. 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. So, 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 Houston native explained he is excited for his future in Green Bay, despite having grown up as a Texans fan. Though the Texans had expressed interest in Golden ahead of the draft, the team ultimately traded out of the first round, taking wide receiver Jayden Higgins in the second round.

“I just feel like you just never know really until that situation happens, so I’m right where I want to be,” Golden said of becoming a Packer. “That’s all I can say. 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.”

The city of Green Bay, he added, also appears to be the perfect place to grow while focusing on his performance on the field.

“It’s good,” Golden said of the city. “There’s no distractions for me, that’s a good thing. 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,” he added. “The fans, everything they have in general, it’s different. That’s why 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.”

Golden, who played college football for the University of Houston and University of Texas, clocked in the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine at 4.29 seconds. During his senior year with the Longhorns, Golden marked 58 catches for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns.

NFL scouts gave Golden a prospect grade of 6.42, adding he “will become a starter within two years.”