Kirk Herbstreit Drops Unexpected Praise for Packers Rookie—Is This the Next Big NFL Star?

Could Kirk Herbstreit’s praise for rookie Matthew Golden be the first hint of a star in the making for the Green Bay Packers? I mean, when a guy known for dissecting the college game with surgical precision drops words like “electrifying” and “ridiculous ball skills” on a fresh-faced wideout, you’ve got to sit up and take notice. Golden’s only just dipped his toes into the NFL waters, with a modest debut against Detroit, yet here’s a draft pick who’s already stirring whispers of Rookie of the Year conversations — thanks in no small part to his speed, sharp routes, and those trusty hands honed back at Texas. With the Packers’ receiving corps shaken by injuries, could this rookie be the secret weapon the team needs to light up the scoreboard and hush the doubters? If Golden can stay healthy and keep this momentum going, we might just be witnessing the dawn of something special in Green Bay—something worth shouting about on Thursday Night Football and beyond.

The Green Bay Packers may have found their next offensive star in rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden.

With injuries reshaping their receiving corps, the first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft is positioned to make an impact in his first season.

He made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, with two receptions for 16 yards in Green Bay’s victory.

While those numbers are modest, Golden drew positive evaluations for his on-field influence and preparation.

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit took notice of Golden’s potential heading into the Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders on “Thursday Night Football.”

“Golden to me, I don’t know if it’ll happen tonight, but at some point, I think he’s gonna be a guy that could potentially be in the Rookie of the Year conversation. I think he’s the guy that could be electrifying, ridiculous ball skills, and you put him into this system with the pieces that they have, I’m excited to see what he can do,” Herbstreit said.

"Matthew Golden is electrifying and he has ridiculous ball skills..

I'm excited to see what he can do this season"@KirkHerbstreit #PMSLive https://t.co/K1yDs54Ynn pic.twitter.com/GEUt86vZHu

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 11, 2025

Known for his speed, route precision and reliable hands at Texas, Golden brings athleticism and skills that align with the Packers’ fast-paced offensive system led by quarterback Jordan Love.

With Christian Watson sidelined by a torn ACL, the rookie is projected to receive snaps as a primary downfield option, and his preseason performance positioned him to fill that role.

However, approaching kickoff, Golden’s availability remained uncertain due to a minor ankle injury.

Should his development continue and his health remain stable, he could emerge as a key factor in Green Bay’s championship aspirations.

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