Green Bay rookie Matthew Golden isn't feeling the pressure of being the Packers' first first-round receiver since Javon Walker in 2002.
"I just feel like I've been waiting my whole life to get in the position I'm in right now," Golden said on Tuesday, via the Associated Press. "At the end of the day, it's still football. It's the sport I've been playing since I was a kid. That's just how I treat it."
The Packers selected the Texas product 23rd overall in 2025 to be the leader of a talented but inconsistent receiver corps that struggled with drops last season.
Already, Golden flashes the skills and swagger of a true WR1.
"He's come in, he's made a name for himself and he's making some good plays every day," quarterback Jordan Love said.
Last year at Texas, Golden generated 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine was the fastest among WRs.
While a learning curve is inevitable, the rookie's speed, body control and hands give him immense upside and help ease his transition.
"The way he's learned the playbook, just the skill set he has, he's going to be a dominant player in this league," receiver Jayden Reed said. "If he continues to lock in on what he needs to lock in on and focus on the playbook and all that kind of stuff, he's going to be very dominant."
The Packers offense under Matt LaFleur has always been a headache for opponents. If he lives up to the hype, Golden can provide a field-tilting target they've missed since Davante Adams left.
Golden will make his NFL debut with Green Bay against the Lions on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
