Green Bay Packers sign rookie Matthew Golden to a contract, he used it to buy 4 houses, but not for himself?
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Green Bay, WI – May 20, 2025 – The Green Bay Packers have officially signed their 2025 first-round pick, wide receiver Matthew Golden, to a four-year, $17.58 million contract with a fifth-year team option, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. But while the former Texas star is poised to dazzle on the field, his first actions off it are stealing the spotlight for their profound generosity.
Golden, selected 24th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, is using his initial NFL paycheck to buy back his grandmother’s former home, a place steeped in personal significance. “That’s where I grew up,” Golden told reporters. “It’d be a blessing to get that back for my family.” The Houston native’s deep ties to his roots resonate with Packers fans, who are already embracing the 22-year-old as a class act.
But Golden’s impact doesn’t stop there. He’s pledging half of his first paycheck to transform three properties into shelters for homeless youth in Green Bay. “I’ve seen kids struggle with nowhere to go,” Golden said. “If I can give them a safe place, that’s bigger than any touchdown.” His initiative, inspired by his own journey, aims to provide not just housing but also mentorship and job training, partnering with local nonprofits, per Packers.com.
On the field, Golden is expected to bolster Green Bay’s receiving corps alongside Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, offering quarterback Jordan Love a dynamic target. His college stats—1,897 yards and 16 touchdowns at Texas—signal playmaking potential, as noted by The Athletic. Off the field, his character is proving just as impactful.
“Matthew’s heart is as big as his talent,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “He’s a perfect fit for this team and community.” Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one posting, “Golden’s already a legend in Green Bay! 🧀💛” As the Packers prepare for their 2025 opener against the Detroit Lions, Golden’s actions are setting a new standard for what it means to be a star in Titletown.