Matthew Golden Reflects on His Journey to the NFL, Credit to Faith and Family

When Matthew Golden stepped out of the green room at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, he embraced a moment he had long anticipated. Earning a spot with the Packers, the emotions surged as hometown fans celebrated his selection.

The experience feels surreal for Golden, who views it as a significant milestone in his life.

He expressed, “Just the way it happened, I feel like God made it happen like that for a reason. That’s something that’s going to stick with me forever,” during an interview with Fox News Digital. He highlighted the impact of his collaboration with Tide, marking an important event in his journey.

Golden’s response encapsulates his belief that faith is crucial in navigating life’s challenges.

The Foundation of Faith

The Houston native states that he has “grown up in the church house,” where he began playing drums at the tender age of six. This strong foundation not only nurtured his talents but also provided a moral compass that guides him.

This faith, along with the unwavering support of his family, propelled Golden to new heights within the NFL. He recognizes that without these fundamental pillars, he may not have reached this pivotal moment.

He shared, “There were times adversity did hit me and God was the one who was there for me. There were times people doubted me, and I did want to give up sometimes. But going back to God, he definitely helped me get here.”

Overcoming Adversity

One of the most significant challenges in Golden’s career surfaced in 2023. While playing for the Houston Cougars, he suffered a foot injury that forced him to miss the remaining games of the season after a promising start.

Reflecting on that period, Golden said, “That was the first time football got taken away from me. So, I didn’t know how to cope with it and I was frustrated. But at that time, my relationship with God grew a lot stronger, and I started to understand it happened for a reason.”

In December of that same year, Golden made the pivotal decision to enter the transfer portal. This decision led him to a new opportunity with the Texas Longhorns, allowing him to remain close to his home state.

A Stellar Season with the Longhorns

During his lone year with Texas, Golden enjoyed a career-best season. He recorded impressive stats, including 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns across 16 games. His contributions were significant in helping the Longhorns secure a place in the College Football Playoff.

Golden’s remarkable journey at Texas culminated in a standout performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He clocked an astonishing 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash, solidifying his status as one of the premier wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft class. This performance captured the attention of numerous NFL teams.

Making Franchise History

The Green Bay Packers seized the moment by selecting him in the first round, marking a notable milestone. This choice represents the first time the Packers have chosen a receiver in the first round since 2002.

As Golden embraces this new chapter in his football career, he reflects on the journey that brought him to this point. He stated, “Now looking back, it definitely makes sense, and like I said, God put me through everything I went through in my life for a reason. I feel like that’s truly what made me who I am today and that’s why I am who I am.”

A Future Filled with Promise

Golden’s narrative is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and familial support. As he prepares to take the field for the Packers, one thing remains certain: his journey will continue to inspire many. Through both triumphs and trials, he attributes his success to God’s guidance and the strong network of loved ones by his side.

As Matthew Golden steps into the NFL spotlight, fans and supporters can expect to witness a player who not only excels on the field but also carries with him a profound sense of purpose and faith.