It's been no secret that Ben Johnson's arrival as the Chicago Bears' head coach has added spice to the team's rivalry with the Green Bay Packers.
Throughout the offseason, there's been a growing beef between Johnson and Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur. After Johnson took a swipe at the Packers, given his recent success against Green Bay with the Lions, LaFleur seems to have been agitated.
Of course, new players were added to the rivalry with the completion of the 2025 NFL Draft. While the Bears added Colston Loveland with their first-round selection, the Packers added an offensive playmaker of their own. With their first selection of last week's draft, the Packers selected Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden.
The 2024 season was Golden's best collegiate season. In his first and only season with the Longhorns, Golden totaled 987 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 58 receptions. With faint rumors of the Packers potentially being involved in trade talks for DK Metcalf before he was moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's no surprise that Green Bay targeted a wide receiver in the first round.
Bears fans can't hate what one Packers' rookie is doing with his contract
There's no question that the moment Golden steps on the field at Soldier Field, Bears fans will make sure that Jaylon Johnson is ready to shut him down. Before then, we can't help but recognize the very cool thing Golden is doing with his first NFL contract. After his grandmother lost her home years ago, Golden intends to use his signing bonus to buy the property back for her.
Setting the rivalry aside for one moment, this is a very cool thing that Golden is doing. For players like Golden, getting selected in the first round is an opportunity for generational money. In his first move with that in mind, he is giving back to a beloved family member. We will tip our cap to Golen on this move, but just know, Johnson is waiting for him come September.