Matthew Golden’s monster Family Night touchdown shows exactly what Packers can expect in 2026
It’s just a highlight, but it fully exemplifies what the former first-round wide receiver can become for Green Bay this upcoming season.
The Green Bay Packers held their annual Family Night practice at Lambeau Field, and wide receiver Matthew Golden delivered the first big play of the evening in front of 60,000 fans. Golden hauled in a 55-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jordan Love, flashing the deep-threat explosiveness that made him a first-round pick.
The play itself came with a caveat. In a real game, defensive tackle Karl Brooks likely would have sacked Love before the ball left his hand. But the result still illustrated what Golden is capable of doing for the Packers offense this season. He beat defensive back Javon Bullard and showed his safe hands to make a tough concentration catch.
Golden’s role is expanding
Golden is a player who has both reliability and explosive potential, and that combination is why Green Bay invested first-round capital in him. As a rookie in 2025, he didn’t see a massive target share, but he was efficient and effective when the Packers did look his way. He finished the regular season with 29 receptions for 361 yards but zero touchdowns. Then, in the playoffs against the Chicago Bears, he turned it up with four receptions, 84 yards, and one touchdown.
The opportunity in front of him now is significantly larger. The Packers let Romeo Doubs walk in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles, opening up a clear path for Golden to step into the starting lineup. He is expected to be one of the three starting wide receivers alongside Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.
Heavy personnel usage doesn’t limit Golden
What Family Night also confirmed is that Golden will be a full-time starter. When Green Bay lines up in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends, two wide receivers), Golden is still the starter over Reed. That’s because Golden plays on the outside, while Reed operates exclusively in the slot.
So even when the formation reduces the number of receivers on the field, Golden keeps his spot. That detail signals that the coaching staff views him as a fixture alongside Watson in the base offensive looks, not just a rotational piece in three-receiver sets.
The connection between Golden and Love is one the Packers are clearly prioritizing during training camp, and Family Night offered the first public glimpse of what that partnership can produce. With a larger role and more targets coming his way, Golden has a real chance to take a significant step forward in his second NFL season.
