As the Green Bay Packers prepare for the 2025 NFL season, rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has committed himself firmly to supporting quarterback Jordan Love amidst growing expectations. With the Packers selecting Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—their first wide receiver pick this high since 2002—the team signals a shift toward providing Love with more offensive weapons.
Golden, a Texas speedster who amassed 987 yards and nine touchdowns in his latest SEC season, brings deep-threat speed that could transform Love’s passing game. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur emphasized the importance of surrounding Love with capable targets, stating,
“You can never have enough weapons around the quarterback.”
—Matt LaFleur, Head Coach
Golden’s presence is particularly significant given the Packers’ history of deprioritizing wide receiver talent early in drafts, with Javon Walker in 2002 being the last comparable selection. Now, as Love enters his fourth NFL season, the addition of Golden appears designed to address both roster gaps and expectations for offensive improvement.
Golden’s Commitment to Building Trust with Jordan Love
Rather than offering the usual rookie platitudes, Golden spoke frankly about establishing rapport with Love, underscoring his determination to earn trust steadily through hard work and performance.
He expressed,
“Yeah, it’s gonna be what it’s supposed to be. Over time, you gotta gain his [Love’s] trust,”
and added,
“So for me, it’s just going out there, just putting my best foot forward each and every day. And just allowing him to know that I’m gonna be there right where I need to be. So I just feel like for me, it’s gonna happen over time.”
—Matthew Golden, Rookie Wide Receiver
This approach shows Golden’s understanding that success depends on consistent chemistry and mutual confidence between quarterback and receiver, rather than immediate flashy statistics. His focus on trust-building highlights a mature perspective not always seen from first-year players.
Rejecting the Texans Hometown Narrative, Focused on the Packers’ Future
Despite being linked with the Houston Texans during the draft process, Golden shut down any suggestion that his choice was about hometown ties, affirming his excitement about joining Green Bay.
He declared,
“I’m right where I wanna be, that’s all I can say. I’m excited for where I am now, for the team I’m about to play for.”
—Matthew Golden, Rookie Wide Receiver
Golden’s goals extend beyond personal development to team success. When asked about his ambitions for the season, he said plainly,
“Definitely wanna go get that Lambeau Trophy, man.”
—Matthew Golden, Rookie Wide Receiver
With the Packers having not won a Super Bowl since 2011 but counting four banners in the past, Golden’s mindset aligns with a deep desire to restore champions in Green Bay’s storied history.
Jordan Love Expresses Confidence in Golden’s Playmaking Potential
Jordan Love has already recognized Golden’s versatility and skill, praising the rookie’s route-running, speed, and catching ability. Love commented,
“From Day 1 when he got here, he’s showcased just the versatility he has running routes, the speed he has and his ability to catch,”
and added,
“I think he’s definitely going to be a playmaker for us and excited to see how far he can go.”
—Jordan Love, Quarterback
This endorsement is critical given Love’s recent struggles and the heat mounting on him to deliver consistent performances for the Packers. Bringing in a receiver like Golden aims to spark offensive growth and shift momentum back to the team’s favor.
Challenges Facing Jordan Love Necessitate Immediate Offensive Improvement
Jordan Love entered the 2024 season riding high after an impressive 2023 campaign that saw him throw for 4,624 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning comparisons to Aaron Rodgers as the Packers’ next franchise quarterback. However, a knee injury suffered during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil derailed his follow-up season.
Love’s torn MCL kept him sidelined for two games and, upon return, his performance notably declined. He finished the season with solid numbers — 3,601 yards and 25 touchdowns — but also threw 14 interceptions and had a dismal playoff showing against the Eagles, with zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 41.5 passer rating. This marked a sharp drop from the late 2023 version of Love who had dazzled defenses.
The stakes are high because Green Bay has built a culture where average quarterback play is unacceptable, not fitting the legacies of legendary predecessors Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. If Love fails to rebound in 2025, speculation about his long-term viability will intensify.
Matthew Golden Represents a Critical Investment in Love’s Success
Golden’s arrival as the Packers’ first true WR1 draft pick since 2002 signals more than just youth infusion; it symbolizes the front office’s commitment to supporting Jordan Love in a tangible way. The pressure on Love to reclaim his elite form, coupled with Green Bay’s refusal to settle for mediocrity at quarterback, makes Golden’s role pivotal.
The Packers have often struggled to provide quality wide receiver options, and Golden’s potential as a dynamic playmaker gives hope that the team can unlock Love’s full capability. His speed and route-running add a new dimension that could help diversify the Packers’ offense and reduce the burden on their quarterback.
Outlook for the Packers: A Season with High Expectations and Stakes
With the addition of Matthew Golden and Jordan Love entering his prime season under pressure, the Packers face a critical juncture in 2025. Golden’s dedication to building trust and performing suggests he is ready to meet the demands placed on him, while Love must leverage this fresh talent to prove he can lead Green Bay back to contender status.
The forthcoming season will reveal whether this renewed investment in offensive weapons pays dividends, but for now, Golden’s arrival is a clear beacon of hope for a passing game desperate for revitalization. As the Packers strive to fill the void left by past legends, 2025 could be the pivotal season that determines the trajectory of both Love’s career and the franchise’s future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Jordan Love get hurt?
A. Love got married to his longtime girlfriend, Ronika Stone, who plays volleyball professionally for the San Diego Mojo.
This past weekend, Stone shared wedding photos and videos on her Instagram story. Earlier in the offseason, Love talked about helping to organize the wedding.
Q. Was Jordan Love hurt?
A. Love discussed recovering from a challenging season filled with injuries while talking with Kay Adams on the “Up and Adams Show” during the Super Bowl. Earlier that season, he hurt his knee and groin, and later, he also injured his elbow in the final game.
Q. What’s the deal with Jordan Love?
A. On Friday, Jordan Love and the Packers reached a deal for a four-year, $220 million contract, according to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This contract’s $55 million yearly average ties with Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals as the highest ever in the league.
Q. Who hit Jordan Love?
A. Last Thursday, Lions player Za’Darius Smith made an illegal hit on Packers quarterback Jordan Love, but the referees did not catch it.