Green Bay Packers Jordan Love Has High Praise For Rookie WR Matthew Golden

When your franchise quarterback singles you out as the best newcomer in training camp, people take notice. That’s exactly what Matthew Golden has done during his first few weeks with the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love, entering his third year as the Packers’ starter, didn’t mince words when asked recently about who’s impressed him the most in camp.

“Matthew Golden,” Love said instantly. And then he elaborated, painting a glowing picture of the rookie wide receiver’s poise and polish. “He’s shown up since Day 1 and really shown his play style, showing what he’s all about. He came in really polished and has been making plays since Day 1. He’s got very aggressive hands, he’s a smooth route runner, he’s got speed.”

Green Bay Packers Jordan Love Loves Matthew Golden

An All-Around Playmaker

The Green Bay Packers selected Golden 23rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear vision in mind—to inject high-end athleticism, confidence, and sure hands into their receiving corps. And so far, Golden has delivered on every front.

Jordan Love’s endorsement wasn’t just lip service. Throughout camp, Golden has flashed first-round pedigree by consistently winning in one-on-one battles, creating separation with his route running, and showcasing reliable hands—even in contested situations. Whether he’s lining up outside the numbers or working the slot, Golden’s versatility has made him an immediate weapon on a Packers offense hungry for dynamic playmakers.

A Perfect Fit for Matt LaFleur’s Offense

Golden’s skill set feels tailor-made for head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense. LaFleur’s scheme thrives on precision, timing, and the ability to turn short routes into chunk plays—a formula Golden appears set to excel in. His compact, aggressive cuts make him an ideal target on timing-based routes like digs and slants, while his top-end speed ensures he’s a constant threat to stretch the field vertically.

It’s not just his physical tools that stand out, though. Love emphasized Golden’s polish—a rare compliment for a rookie entering a system as intricate as LaFleur’s. “For him, it’s just continuing to understand the playbook and wrap his head around everything we have in,” Love said, noting the depth of Green Bay’s offensive concepts. “But you can see when he knows what he’s doing and is feeling confident, he’s been playing lights out. He’s going to be a stud.”

That combination of polish and playmaking is a big reason the Packers trusted Golden with such a high draft pick, and the early returns suggest they nailed it.

Why Golden’s Breakout Matters

Revamping the Packers’ Receiver Room

Golden’s emergence comes at a pivotal time for Green Bay. While the Packers have promising young talents like Romeo Doubs and 2024 breakout star Jayden Reed, the departure of proven veterans like Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb left a clear vacuum of leadership and explosiveness in their receiver room.

Enter Golden. His natural confidence and skill give the Packers an immediate lift in both categories. And it’s not just that Golden is good—it’s that his skill set complements the core of this offense so well. Pair him with Christian Watson, the peerless deep threat recovering from an ACL injury, and Doubs’ physicality, and you’ve built a wide receiver trio that can attack every layer of the field.

Easing the Load on Jordan Love

Of course, Golden’s breakout isn’t just a boost for the receiver room. It’s a game-changer for Jordan Love, too. After two up-and-down seasons as the Packers’ starter, Love is entering 2025 under increased scrutiny. Having a polished, playmaking rookie like Golden in his arsenal could be exactly what the young quarterback needs to elevate his play and steady the offense.

Golden’s knack for winning quickly off the line gives Love a reliable outlet in high-pressure situations, while his ability to stretch defenses vertically opens up opportunities for Watson and Doubs. For an offense transitioning into its post-Rodgers era, these margins matter. Golden may be a first-year player, but he’s already playing like someone who can anchor this passing game.

Building Trust Early

Love and Golden’s Budding Chemistry

The quarterback-wide receiver relationship is often about chemistry, and Golden is earning Love’s trust fast. Plays like a circus-catch touchdown in red-zone drills or a perfectly-timed post route in full-team sessions are helping cement that connection in real time.

Love’s public praise is significant, too. For a quarterback still solidifying his role as the team’s leader, singling Golden out as the camp standout sends a clear message to teammates and fans alike—this rookie is ready, and the offense’s future revolves around him in a major way.

Setting a Standard

Golden’s growth also sets the tone for the Packers’ other young receivers. Competing for snaps in a crowded room, rookies and depth players alike are watching Golden closely to see what’s demanded of them. If he continues to dominate in camp, don’t be surprised if other names in the receiver hierarchy take big leaps, too.

What’s Next for Golden?

The Playbook Test

As Love hinted, Golden’s next big test will be mastering the intricacies of LaFleur’s deep playbook. It’s no secret that the offense asks a lot of its wideouts, from option routes to timing-heavy concepts that demand precision. Golden has the tools to thrive—but the mental side of his game will need to keep pace with his physical gifts.

Preseason Showcases

The opportunities to shine aren’t slowing down. Preseason games will give Golden a shot to not only lock down a starting role but also put the rest of the NFL on notice. Watch for him to take on starter-level targets in exhibition games as the Packers sharpen their offensive identity for 2025.

A Rookie of the Year Campaign?

Bold prediction? Maybe. But with his fast start in camp and the confidence of the team’s quarterback behind him, Golden has all the makings of an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. If he keeps stacking standout days like this in practices and live games, the buzz is only going to get louder.

Final Thoughts

Matthew Golden isn’t just flashing in camp—he’s proving he belongs. For a Packers team retooling for the future, Golden’s poise, polish, and playmaking are fueling optimism for what’s to come.

Jordan Love’s praise wasn’t casual. It speaks to the trust that’s building in Green Bay’s locker room around their rookie wideout. And with training camp momentum on his side, Golden is making it clear—he’s not just here to contribute. He’s here to become a star.

For Packers fans dreaming of the next great receiver tandem or wondering how this team keeps pace in the NFC North, Golden’s emergence might be the answer. The Matthew Golden era in Green Bay is off to a spectacular start, and if camp is any indication, the best is yet to come.