Who Is Matthew Golden?
Matthew Golden (born August 1, 2003) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played collegiate football at both Houston and Texas before declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the first round at No. 23 overall.
Golden earned a reputation as a versatile and explosive offensive weapon during his college career — combining burst, route nuance, and playmaking ability to become one of the most highly-regarded receivers in his draft class.
Matthew Golden’s Jersey Number
One of the most basic identifiers for any player is their jersey number. For Matthew Golden, his number with the Green Bay Packers is:
#22
This number has become associated with his dynamic skill set and his transition from college standout to NFL talent.
Is Matthew Golden Playing Today? (2026 Season)
As of the start of the 2026 NFL season (this week), Matthew Golden is an active member of the Green Bay Packers roster. Unless the team has publicly listed him on injury reports or inactive lists — typically shared by the Packers official team channels game-day morning — Golden would be considered eligible to play.
How to check if he’s active for today’s game:
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Visit the Green Bay Packers official site game notes
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Follow NFL injury reports pre-game
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Check fantasy football platforms (they update active/inactive status)
Matthew Golden’s Height, Weight & Physical Profile
Physical measurables are important for wide receivers, influencing matchup dynamics and versatility. Here’s Golden’s official NFL profile:
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: Approximately 191 pounds
Age: 22 (as of 2025 season)
At 5’11”, Golden doesn’t tower over defensive backs — but he pairs his physique with elite lateral agility, explosiveness, and football-intelligence traits that elevate his game beyond standard measurables.
40-Yard Dash: Matthew Golden’s Elite Speed
One of the defining moments in Golden’s pre-NFL evaluation came at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He delivered a blazing 40-yard dash time of 4.29 seconds — the fastest among wide receivers that year.
Why the 40-Yard Dash Matters
The 40-yard dash measures straight-line speed — a critical indicator for wide receivers who need to separate from defenders, threaten deep coverage, and create explosive plays. Golden’s 4.29 time put him in an elite category of athletes who can turn short passes into big gains and stretch defenses vertically.
But speed shows up in multiple ways:
10-Yard Split: Golden also recorded a 1.49-second 10-yard split, which tests burst and early acceleration — a crucial metric for route effectiveness in tight coverage.
Comparisons:
Golden’s speed was second leader overall on combine day, narrowly behind only a cornerback who clocked 4.28 seconds — remarkable considering Golden’s wider receiver role.
College Career & Production
Before the NFL, Golden showcased his talent at two major power conference programs:
Houston Cougars (2022–2023)
Golden developed early as a consistent playmaker with the Cougars, demonstrating versatility as both a receiver and return threat.
Texas Longhorns (2024)
Golden transferred to Texas for his final collegiate season and led the team with 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His deep threat ability, contested catch acumen, and special teams value were on full display, earning him national recognition and first-round draft buzz.
This mix of production and measurable athleticism helped elevate him into first-round consideration.
Packers Rookie Season & 2025 Impact
Drafted by the Packers, Golden entered a Green Bay offense seeking dynamic playmakers. In 2025, his rookie season:
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Golden saw regular offensive snaps
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Contributed as a vertical threat and passing target
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Displayed separation skills and situational explosiveness
Statistically, platforms tracking NFL production listed him on the Packers with realistic role usage, though not yet a primary target every week.
In summary, Golden’s rookie year showed promise and areas for growth — setting the stage for impactful contributions in future seasons.
Matt Golden’s Playing Style & Strengths
Matthew Golden’s skill set can be broken down into several key areas:
1. Explosive Speed
His 4.29-second 40-yard dash underscores his ability to stretch defenses deep. Defenders must respect his vertical threat on every snap.
2. Versatility
Golden can line up in multiple receiver spots — outside or in the slot — and create mismatches. With good route separation, he forces defenses to adjust coverage.
3. Competitor
NFL evaluators have praised Golden’s competitive nature and ability to adjust routes mid-play — a trait that separates talented receivers from elite ones.
4. Special Teams Value
Golden handled return duties in college, adding another dimension to his NFL value as a multi-role weapon.
Challenges & Areas for Growth
Like many young receivers, Golden has areas to refine:
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Consistent route running against elite NFL cornerbacks
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Translation of combine speed into game situations
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Earning a larger target share in crowded offensive schemes
NFL analysts see these as development opportunities rather than roadblocks.
Fantasy Football Outlook
In fantasy football circles, Golden is often considered a sleeper or breakout candidate due to:
Explosive play potential
Deep target opportunities
Movement-based separation metrics
His value typically rises if he earns a larger role in the Packers’ passing game or if injuries alter target distributions.
Matthew Golden Off the Field
Golden’s character and leadership have also attracted positive attention. Reports from draft and team coverage highlight his competitive drive, work ethic, and leadership among teammates — traits coaches value highly.
One notable human-interest story showcased Golden using part of his NFL signing bonus to help support his family, illustrating his off-field priorities.
Matthew Golden’s Full NFL Profile Snapshot
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Golden |
| Team | Green Bay Packers |
| Jersey Number | #22 |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Height | 5′11″ |
| Weight | 191 lbs |
| Draft | 2025, Round 1, Pick 23 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.29 seconds |
| 10-Yard Split | 1.49 seconds |
| College | Houston, Texas |
| Status (2026) | Active NFL Player |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What number does Matthew Golden wear?
A: Matthew Golden wears #22 for the Green Bay Packers.
Q2: Is Matthew Golden playing today?
A: Golden is an active member of the Packers roster. His playing status for any given game depends on official game-day reports from the team.
Q3: How fast is Matthew Golden’s 40-yard dash?
A: At the 2025 NFL Combine, Golden recorded a 4.29-second 40-yard dash, the fastest among wide receivers.
Q4: How tall is Matthew Golden?
A: Matthew Golden is listed at 5 feet 11 inches tall.
Q5: Where did Matthew Golden play college football?
A: Golden played at the University of Houston before transferring to the University of Texas, where he had a standout season in 2024.
Q6: What team drafted Matthew Golden?
A: The Green Bay Packers selected him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Conclusion
Matthew Golden’s journey from college standout to NFL playmaker is a compelling story of talent, work ethic, and measurable athleticism. With a standout 40-yard dash, versatile skill set, and active role in the Packers offense, Golden is positioned to make an impact in the NFL for years to come.
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