Matthew Golden won the hearts of Green Bay Packers fans from the moment his name was called — now they have even more reason to love him.
In an exclusive interview with FanSided's Candace Pedraza, Golden shared a message to Packers fans about what they can expect from the team's only first-round wide receiver since 2003.
"I've got heart. I love the game of football. I'm just a dawg," said Golden. "I feel like whenever the biggest moments come up, that's when I show up at my best. Whenever my back is against the wall, you know what to expect out of me."
He's not wrong. According to Pro Football Focus, 42 of his 58 receptions went for first downs at Texas last season. In must-have moments, quarterback Quinn Ewers turned to Golden.
Averaging an impressive 17 yards per reception, Golden proved why he can become Jordan Love's favorite target in Green Bay. Head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that Love was "ecstatic" about the pick, and who could blame him?
Ending the Packers' first-round drought made the moment even more special for Matthew Golden
The Packers finally drafted a wide receiver in the first round, and it couldn't have been any more perfect. Not only did Mark Murphy get to announce the pick in front of the hometown crowd, but Golden was in Green Bay to experience it.
He was well aware that the Packers hadn't drafted a receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002, almost 18 months before Golden was born.
"It meant so much more to me because of that situation," Golden told Pedraza.
"That was definitely the best feeling I had ever. It happened at the biggest moment of my life," he added. "I've been working for that since I was a kid. The way it was set up, I feel like it happened for a reason. The energy, the crowd, it was just a crazy atmosphere to be in."
Golden is already a fan favorite. He brings 4.29 speed to the Packers' offense but offers so much more than that. Golden runs smooth routes and knows how to get open. NFL draft analyst Todd McShay noted that outside of Travis Hunter, who went No. 2 overall, Golden was the "WR1" in this year's class.
We're excited about what the Texas star can provide on the field, but it's also easy to see how he will become another great addition to the locker room.
Golden sent a clear message to Packers fans, and he is ready to prove the 23-year wait for a first-round receiver was well worth it.
