Matthew Golden at the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo:
Michael Reaves/Getty
Matthew Golden’s NFL signing bonus gave him a golden opportunity to help his family.
The 21-year-old Houston native, who was selected No. 23 overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, boldly revealed his plans for his bonus during an interview on Andy & Ari On3.
“Definitely get my grandma a house, man. We lost our property a couple years ago. That’s somewhere I grew up when I was younger. It would be a blessing to be able to get that back for my family,” he said.
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While the wide receiver didn’t specify how the property was lost, he said it held great significance to his family.
“That’s where they all grew up, that’s where I grew up, so I always told myself I wanted to do that, and now I’m in a position to do it, so if it’s bound to happen I’m going to make it happen,” said Golden.
The timing of his NFL contract couldn’t be any better, as Golden said the property is currently on sale.
Matthew Golden speaking after being selected twenty-third overall pick by the Green Bay Packers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Stacy Revere/Getty
“It’s literally for sale right now. I go back and look at it every time,” he said. “I actually had a camp last week for some kids back at home and I drive down the road. That’s where I grew up at.”
Golden said the property was located in the “back street” of the high school he attended, and an area where his “whole family” lives.
In a press conference following the draft, Golden described his grandmother as his “best friend,” adding, “We went through so much adversity. Just to be here and cherish that moment with her, it means everything to me.”
Matthew Golden celebrates being picked by the he Green Bay Packers during the 2025 NFL Draft. Stacy Revere/Getty
Speaking further about his hope in buying his family’s property back, he said, “I always told her whenever I was put in a position to get it back for her, I would.”
Golden is known for his speed, running an impressive 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine — a feat Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst described as “elite.”
“His ability to stretch the field outside the numbers is really, really important. And when you watch him, we thought he arguably had some of the best hands in the draft, not only going back to it, running through it, but when he tracks it over his shoulder and stuff, too,” said Gutekunst at a news conference, per the NFL.
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“He’s a strong athlete. He’s really versatile. He’s going to do a lot of things,” added Gutekunst.