“He Looks Like He’s Been Here for Years” — Golden Impresses LaFleur After Just a Few Practices

It hasn’t taken long for rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden to make waves in Green Bay. After just a handful of practices with the Packers, head coach Matt LaFleur has already taken notice—and he’s not the only one.

“He looks like he’s been here for years,” LaFleur said after the team’s third OTA session. “He picks things up fast, he runs crisp routes, and he asks the right questions. That’s what you want from a young guy.”

Golden, a first-round draft pick out of Texas, came to the Packers with plenty of hype. Known for his speed and deep-threat potential, many expected it would take him some time to adjust to the NFL’s pace. But so far, he’s silenced those doubts with a quiet confidence and work ethic that’s impressed veterans and coaches alike.

According to teammates, Golden isn’t flashy off the field—but he’s all business on it. “He’s locked in,” said quarterback Jordan Love. “You don’t have to explain things to him twice. That’s rare.”

The connection between Love and Golden is already beginning to develop. During a closed practice earlier this week, the two reportedly linked up for multiple deep completions—each time with Golden beating defenders off the line with quick footwork and smart positioning.

LaFleur emphasized that the team isn’t rushing Golden into a WR1 role, but he made it clear the rookie is already ahead of schedule. “We’re throwing a lot at him,” the coach said, “and he’s handling it better than expected.”

What separates Golden from most first-year players, according to team sources, is his mental approach. He studies the playbook late into the evening, often staying behind after meetings to ask for extra reps or tips from coaches. “He’s not just fast—he’s hungry,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich.

For Packers fans, Golden’s early progress is a promising sign for a team looking to elevate its passing game. And while it’s still early in the offseason, one thing is clear: Matthew Golden isn’t waiting around for his moment—he’s already taking it.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on No. 22—not just for what he can do, but for how fast he’s doing it.