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Green Bay Packers: Keisean Nixon Gets 100% Real on Rookie Wide Receiver Matthew Golden, 'Acts Like He’s a Vet'

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 11:02 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers have some serious concerns at the wide receiver position as the 2025 NFL regular draws closer and closer. Christian Watson, of course, will miss the start of the year as he continues to recover from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 18 last season against the Chicago Bears. Romeo Doubs missed Green Bay’s second preseason game with a back injury, but returned to practice this week.

However, both Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, who were the Packers’ most targeted pass catchers in 2024, have also been out with ailments of their own. What is more, head coach Matt LaFleur is not certain that either will be able to play come Week One.

And if that were not enough, rookie wide receiver Savion Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury.

Fortunately, it appears that Green Bay’s best wide receiver is going to be first round pick Matthew Golden, and he has stayed healthy throughout training camp.

Green Bay Packers Cornerback Keisean Nixon Has High Praise for Rookie Wide Receiver Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love Admits He Was Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (22) catches the ball during the team’s first day of minicamp on June 10, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.

Golden, of course, was the first wide receiver Green Bay took in the first round of any NFL Draft since 2002 when they selected Javon Walker. Given how long it was in between first round wide receivers, fans have been highly anticipating seeing Golden play meaningful football for the Packers.

And while he played in their first preseason game, Golden did not play against the Indianapolis Colts in the second game. He was not injured, but LaFleur wanted to make sure he stayed healthy given how many wide receivers are already hurt.

Even though fans have yet to see him in an actual regular season game, beat writers and current Packers players have been singing Golden’s praises since the start of camp, and Keisean Nixon had some great words for the young rookie, whom he has been matched up against frequently during practice.

According to Mike Spofford of packers.com, Nixon said of Golden, “He sometimes acts like he’s a vet but I try to remind him that he’s a rookie. Other than that, M.G., helluva player. You can tell why he went first round. Strong at the catch point, strong hands, strong upper body. I think he’ll have a really good year.”

Just two years ago, Reed set Green Bay’s franchise record for receptions by a rookie when he had 64. It will be interesting to see if Golden comes close to that record in 2025. If he is able to play regular season games like he does in practice, one would think he will make a run at the record.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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