Matthew Golden is a rising star wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), known for his blazing speed, catching ability, and promising career trajectory. Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Golden has quickly made a mark with his outstanding athleticism and determination. This detailed profile breaks down his personal life, early and professional career, contract information, net worth, endorsements, and more.
Matthew Golden’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Matthew Diovion Golden |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | August 1, 2003 |
| Age | 22 years |
| College | University of Houston; University of Texas |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Turned Pro | 2025 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 – $12 million |
| Salary | Base salary $840,000; Total rookie earnings over $10 million including signing bonus and workout bonus |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Instagram Profile | @matthew.d.golden |
Early Career
Matthew Golden was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended Klein Cain High School, where he was a standout wide receiver, catching 167 passes for 3,242 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Considered a four-star recruit, he initially committed to Texas Christian University but later flipped to play college football at the University of Houston. His athleticism and skill on the field quickly made him a key player during his high school years.
Professional Career
Matthew Golden’s professional football journey officially began when he was selected in the first round, 23rd overall, by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 191 pounds, Golden is known for his outstanding speed, blazing a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which made him one of the fastest receivers in that draft class.
He played his freshman and sophomore college seasons at Houston, then transferred to the University of Texas for his 2024 season. There, he led the Longhorns with 49 receptions for 787 yards and eight touchdowns during the regular season and made significant contributions in their playoff push.
Golden’s rookie contract with the Packers was worth $17.58 million fully guaranteed over four years, including a $9.42 million signing bonus. In his NFL debut, he caught two passes for 16 yards, and by Week 3 he had a notable 52-yard receiving game, also contributing as a rusher. Throughout the 2025 season, he quickly became a reliable target for the Packers’ offense and a promising young talent to watch.
Matthew Golden’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Golden’s net worth is estimated between $10 million to $12 million. This includes his rookie contract earnings, signing bonus, workout bonuses, and initial endorsement deals. His financial rise reflects both his on-field potential and his growing marketability.
Contract Details
Matthew Golden signed a four-year rookie contract with the Green Bay Packers worth $17,575,338 fully guaranteed, announced in May 2025. The contract includes a $9,422,064 signing bonus and an average annual value of approximately $4.4 million. The deal features a fifth-year team option, which is standard for first-round selections. His base salary for the 2025 season stands at $840,000 plus workout bonuses, bringing total cash earnings over $10 million in his rookie year.
| Year | Base Salary | Cap Hit | Signing Bonus | Cap % (Team Salary Cap) |
| 2025 | $840,000 | $3,195,516 | $9,422,064 (total signing bonus) | 1.14% |
| 2026 | $1,005,000 | $3,994,395 | – | 1.30% |
| 2027 | $1,120,000 | $4,793,274 | – | 1.42% |
| 2028 | $2,086,637 | $5,592,153 | – | 1.50% |
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (estimated) |
| 2025 | Over $10 million (salary + signing bonus + bonuses) |
| 2026 | Approx. $1 million base salary + bonuses (TBD) |
| 2027 | Approx. $1.12 million base salary + bonuses (TBD) |
| 2028 | Approx. $2.09 million base salary + bonuses (TBD) |
| Total | $17.58 million contract value over 4 years |
Endorsements
- Under Armour (apparel and sportswear)
- Rockwood Alliances (sports marketing)
- Additional emerging deals as Golden’s profile rises
Career Records
| Opponent Team | Performance Highlight |
| Detroit Lions | NFL debut: 2 catches for 16 yards |
| Cleveland Browns | First 50+ yard game: 4 catches for 52 yards |
| Cincinnati Bengals | Led team with 86 yards in Week 6, no touchdowns but key target |
| Various SEC teams (college) | Over 100 yards receiving in SEC Championship game and CFP quarterfinals |
FAQS
1. What is Matthew Golden’s background?
Matthew Golden was born on August 1, 2003, in Houston, Texas. He attended Klein Cain High School, where he excelled as a wide receiver with 167 receptions, 3,242 yards, and 32 touchdowns. He initially committed to Texas Christian University but later chose to play college football at the University of Houston before transferring to Texas.
2. What colleges did Matthew Golden play for?
Golden played college football first for the Houston Cougars from 2022-2023 and then transferred to the Texas Longhorns for the 2024 season.
3. How did Matthew Golden perform in college football?
At Houston, Golden started as a freshman in 2022, recording 38 receptions for 584 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2023, he earned special teams honors returning kicks. After transferring to Texas, he led the team with 49 receptions for 787 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 regular season.
4. When was Matthew Golden drafted into the NFL and by which team?
Matthew Golden was selected in the first round, 23rd overall, by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
5. What are Matthew Golden’s physical measurements and combine results?
Golden stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 191 pounds, and recorded a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, among other strong measurable results.
6. How much was Matthew Golden’s rookie contract worth?
He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Packers on May 19, 2025, worth $17.58 million, fully guaranteed.
7. What was Matthew Golden’s NFL debut like?
Golden made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, catching two passes for 16 yards in a 27–13 Packers’ win. In Week 3, he had his first 50+ yard game with 4 catches for 52 yards and a 9-yard rush.
8. What position does Matthew Golden play?
Matthew Golden plays as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL.
9. Has Matthew Golden received any college awards or recognitions?
Golden was on the Walter Camp Award watchlist for 2023 and earned Big 12 Conference special teams player of the week honors after a strong kick return performance. He also made various preseason all-conference teams.
10. What are notable aspects of Matthew Golden’s playing style or skills?
Golden is recognized for his speed, agility, and kick return ability. His NFL Madden rating highlights high speed, acceleration, and catching skills, making him a deep threat wide receiver.