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Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden Loves Fan Energy at 1st NFL Training Camp
Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden Loves Fan Energy at 1st NFL Training Camp 1 Oct 21, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas Longhorns at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Ahead of his first NFL training camp, Green Bay Packers fans had their eyes on rookie receiver Matthew Golden, the offseason’s most heralded addition to the roster as part of the 2025 draft class. They showed up to watch him and the team in person during camp and, for his part, Golden is “loving it.”

Golden hyped for Green Bay Packers fan presence

In the very small sample size of rookie minicamp, OTAs, and now three days of regular camp, Golden has impressed. Despite being a rookie, he’s expected to contribute to the receiver room in a major way, if not as one of the top two options. The former Texas Longhorn and Houston transfer has been motivated by the training camp atmosphere.

“I’m loving it, you know,” Golden told reporters Friday. “Those fans showed so much energy. It makes you want to go out there and practice, just so we can go out there and put on a show. At the same time, we’re doing what we love to do. To have people out there watching us and supporting us, it means a lot.”

The team’s only first-round receiver selection in 23 years, Golden entered offseason practice shouldering high hopes. If anything, he’s only pushed them higher with what he’s shown so far.

Asked how he’s handled pressure, the rookie responded with a slight counter. “I defintely wouldn’t call it pressure. I mean I’m out here playing football like everyone else. I got drafted, and now it’s just about looking forward. It’s about going out there and attacking each day, trying to get better at my craft.”


Green Bay Packers: Rookie Receiver Says It's Texas Longhorns receiver Matthew Golden (2) makes a catch during the Lone Star Showdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in College Station, Texas.

Golden turns 22 next week. As an indictator of maturity, his levelheaded focus should have fans even more excited about what he can do in year one. Alongside an impressive work ethic and raw talent, that type of mindset is a recipe for NFL success. Golden, for one, believes he can indeed contribute out the gate.

“I always got that confidence in myself. … I always got the mindset to go get it, get better each and every day, and then whatever opportunities I do get, I’m going to make the most of them.”

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

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