Packers receiver shined during Fridays practice inside Lambeau Field

Wes Hodkiewicz

GREEN BAY As Packers training camp moved into Lambeau Field for the first time this summer, the lights shined brightest on second-year receiverMatthew Golden.

Building upon an already strong start to training camp, Golden was again a magnet to the football during the team's annual Family Night practice on Friday.

After a strong showing in 1-on-1 drills, Golden brought the crowd of 57,411 to its feet when he hauled in a 52-yard touchdown pass fromJordan Loveduring the first team 11-on-11 period.

Catching the defense in quarters coverage, Golden kept his route tight and carried it to the end zone, working his way behind nickel cornerbackJavon Bullard.

Golden gave Love a target and Love produced a touchdown, hitting the 5-foot-11, 191-poung wideout in stride for the biggest play of the two-hour, 12-minute practice.

"The concept that we had on obviously is to beat that coverage," Golden said. "Jordan stepped up in the pocket, threw a great ball. All I had to do was come down with it."

The 23-year-old wideout has been giving his quarterback plenty with which to work through the first two weeks of training camp, making a big play or two in practically every practice.

It's the type of jump the Packers envisioned from the 2025 first-round pick after the team retooled the receiver room in the offseason, partnering Golden with recently extended veteransChristian WatsonandJayden Reed.

Golden's early touchdown served as a tone-setter for the offense, which collectively rushed to celebrate with the young wideout.

"That was great, man. Exactly how we picture it every time," Reed said. "That'll be on an all-time cut. No doubt that was a great play and execution."

One practice after the next, Golden is feeling more comfortable with Love in Year 2. The conversations with QB1 have been fluid and they've led to a steady, evolving dialogue.

Prior to 11-on-11, Love and Golden had the opportunity to put some of that work to the test against Green Bay's top cornerback,Keisean Nixon, on both short slants and longer developing routes.

It's the type of competition that was a bit more difficult for Golden to get during his rookie season when he caught 29 passes for 361 yards while playing just 53% of the offensive snaps.

"In practice, (Nixon) pushes me and I push him," Golden said. "For us, I feel like the competition we've got between each other is good, and I feel like overall I'm getting better from practicing against him."

It's also a different vibe practicing inside Lambeau as opposed to across the street at Nitschke Field, where the Packers conducted their first seven practices since camp opened July 29.

The was a palpable energy inside the stadium throughout practice, the first time Green Bay has played in front of a home crowd since its Week 17 matchup with Baltimore last December.

Although the Packers will have to wait three more weeks before welcoming the Arizona Cardinals for their only home preseason tilt, they edge closer to next Thursday's opener in Pittsburgh.

An offense with already lofty expectations for 2026 appears to have gained another playmaker in the form of Golden.

"It's always good to be able to get out in front of the fans," Golden said. "Obviously, you feel the energy, kind of treat it like a game. As far as the offense today, I think we came out there and executed on plays we needed to do. Obviously, we've just got to continue to keep growing each and every day."