What happens when you add 10 and 22? A whole lot of touchdowns. That's a connection Green Bay Packers fans will soon become familiar with.
No. 10, of course, refers to Jordan Love. The No. 22 belongs to first-round pick Matthew Golden. His jersey selection initially raised eyebrows, but his heartwarming story behind it quickly won over Packers fans. So will the emphatic message he delivered to Love after getting drafted.
"He text me literally right after I got drafted. Told me it's time to go to work, congratulating me," said Golden.
His response?
"I'm ready I'm ready. I've been waiting for this moment my whole life," Golden said to Love. "To be here, like I said, I'm going to let my presence be known. I'm going to come in here and compete."
Why Matthew Golden's message to Jordan Love says everything about him
The Packers' passing game needs a boost. While the receiving corps has tremendous upside, the group underdelivered last season, and that held Love back. Golden is the difference-making addition that can help the entire aerial attack level up.
He told Love he's ready, and the Packers need exactly that. With Christian Watson expected to miss time, Golden could become Love's top target early in his career.
His confidence shines through every time he speaks. In a recent interview with FanSided's Candace Pedraza, Golden let fans know what they can expect.
"I've got heart. I love the game of football. I'm just a dawg," Golden told Pedraza. "I feel like whenever the biggest moments come up, that's when I show up at my best. Whenever my back is against the wall, you know what to expect out of me."
Whether it's using his 4.29 speed to replace some of Watson's production or leaning on his pro-ready route-running to dominate in the intermediate passing game, Golden should get opportunities early and often.
His arrival will help Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, and the idea of Golden and Watson eventually playing together is a scary thought for opposing defenses.
Golden enters Green Bay with high expectations, but his message to Love was clear. He is ready. He was always ready.
So are we.