James Jones may no longer represent the Green Bay Packers on the field, but he sure does so proudly off it. The retired wide receiver stays up to date and engaged with the club's happenings, which evidently includes Matthew Golden's development (or lack thereof).
Many around the NFL have been ready to declare Golden, the Packers' first first-round receiver in over two decades (Javon Walker, 2002), a bust. A limited role in a disappointing rookie campaign has folks waving the white flag, but not Jones. The latter isn't losing faith just yet; instead, doubling down on his belief in the former.
When speaking to the media during the 2026 rendition of the Packers' annual Tailgate Tour, Jones gave him a massive vote of confidence:
"He's going to be a superstar," Jones said regarding Golden (h/t WFRV Sports' Carson Fowler).
Former Packers WR James Jones boldly declares Matthew Golden a 'superstar'
Jones was crucial to the Packers' Super Bowl XLV victory and led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2012, so he knows something about excellence. Not to mention, his time in Green Bay overlapped with some truly elite pass-catchers, giving him a front-row seat to greatness. Davante Adams, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb — the list goes on.
Around this time last offseason, Golden was being touted as an exciting prospect, and now the Packers are drawing criticism for selecting him. It speaks to how quickly and drastically perception can change in this business. Nevertheless, Jones ostensibly remains a fan of the Texas standout's long-term outlook.
The Packers and their supporters certainly hope Jones' bold declaration proves true, because Golden figures to be a key piece of the team's passing attack. There should be plenty of opportunities to silence the critics in an explosive offense with a big-armed star quarterback in Jordan Love. Especially after Green Bay traded wideout Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles and let Romeo Doubs walk to the New England Patriots in free agency.
Golden fell well short of expectations in 2025, only eclipsing three targets in six of 15 games (including playoffs). However, he saved the best for last and ended the season on a high note. The 22-year-old posted four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' Wild Card loss to the Chicago Bears.
Next stop, stardom?
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