Packers' Matthew Golden breaks silence on potential game-winning catch vs. Browns, defends himself

Hunter Cookston

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Packers' Matthew Golden breaks silence on potential game-winning catch vs. Browns, defends himself image

The Green Bay Packers drafted Matthew Golden back in April, and the team has believed from day one that they landed the best wide receiver in the draft. The excitement around Golden has been real, and from the very beginning, he’s embraced Green Bay — and the fans have embraced him right back.

“Starting to realize Green Bay not too big, so a lot of people gonna recognize me. But it’s a blessing just to be able to be around people that care about you … for me it’s just being able to show my face and show that I love being here,” Golden said.

Golden’s confidence has been clear early in his career — and it’s only grown. Earlier this summer, the rookie made a bold prediction, telling reporters the Packers were going to finish the season as Super Bowl champions.

“Definitely want to go get that [Lombardi] trophy, man,” Golden told KPRC’s Aaron Wilson. “That’s the question mark we got in our team room is just filling in that blank. That’s the last thing we need in that team room and, for us, that’s all we talk about at practice is getting that trophy.”

However, Golden has recently come under fire for giving up on a crucial play that could have sealed a win. After catching a late-game pass, the rookie ran out of bounds instead of cutting upfield for a potential touchdown.

That decision may have changed the outcome of the game — and after staying quiet, Golden broke his silence on Wednesday.

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"It's definitely a play I want back. I feel like the safety was a lot closer to me and I ended up going out of bounds, but momentum did take me out,” Golden told the media.

Golden gave the answer many were waiting for. While the catch came at an awkward angle, many had assumed he could have scored — something he clearly disagrees with.

Golden is not the kind of player who quits on a play, but the moment put him under the microscope. Now that he’s addressed it, he can turn the page and focus on preparing for the Cowboys — without any distractions.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.