Packers Rookie WR Opens Up on Battling Depression to Reach NFL Stardom
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Green Bay, September 24, 2025
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, the first-round pick turning heads with his blazing speed, has shared a raw account of his battle with depression that nearly derailed his dream. In an exclusive interview with Packers Wire, Golden revealed how hitting rock bottom during his junior year at Oregon fueled his rise to NFL prominence.
"Depression hit me hard after that ACL tear in 2023," Golden said. "I felt worthless, like my future was over. Days blurred into nights—I couldn't even get out of bed. But talking to my mom and a therapist changed everything. It taught me vulnerability isn't weakness; it's strength."
Golden, selected 12th overall in the 2025 Draft, has flashed Pro Bowl potential in Green Bay's 2-0 start, catching three passes for 85 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders. His journey from despair to Lambeau Field mirrors the Packers' resilient spirit.
"Overcoming that darkness made me appreciate every snap," he added. "I'm here for the guys in the trenches, the fans who believed when I didn't. Mental health isn't talked about enough in football—it's okay to struggle."
With Jayden Reed sidelined by injury, Golden's emergence has stabilized the receiving corps alongside Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. As the Packers eye a Week 4 clash with the Cowboys, Golden's story inspires a team chasing Super Bowl glory.
Packers Nation, take note: Golden's not just a rookie sensation—he's a beacon of hope, proving that from the depths of depression comes unbreakable drive.
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