Green Bay Packers' first-round draft pick Matthew Golden has fulfilled a heartfelt promise he made months before signing his professional contract. The wide receiver used a portion of his NFL signing bonus to purchase a new home for his grandmother, Penny, in Texas, creating a new family hub in a familiar community.
The purchase comes after Golden's family lost their childhood home several years ago. The successful search for a new property, navigated with the help of a local real estate professional, marks a significant personal achievement for the young athlete as he begins his NFL career.
Key Takeaways
- Green Bay Packers rookie Matthew Golden bought a new house for his grandmother.
- The purchase was a fulfillment of a public promise made before the NFL draft.
- Golden's family had previously lost their home, making the new purchase especially meaningful.
- The real estate agent involved donated his entire commission to a children's hospital.
A Promise Fulfilled
Before being selected in the NFL draft, Matthew Golden, a standout from the University of Texas, was clear about his first major financial goal. In media interviews, he stated his intention to buy a house for his grandmother with his signing bonus.
"For me, it's always been about giving back to my people," Golden said earlier this year. "To be able to do that, it would be the biggest purchase for me."
Just a few months after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers, that promise became a reality. His grandmother, Penny, was presented with the keys to her new home, a moment that represented a new chapter for the entire family.
"My grandmother has done so much for me, and I'm humbled to be able to give back to her in this way," Golden stated.
The goal was not just to buy any house, but to re-establish roots in an area with deep family connections. With other relatives living nearby, finding the right location was a top priority for the family.
The Search for a New Family Hub
The journey to find the perfect home was a focused effort, undertaken with a deadline in mind. Golden needed to complete the process before heading off to his first NFL training camp in late summer. He enlisted the help of Nimesh Patel, the Broker and Owner of a RE/MAX affiliate in Texas.
A Shared Connection
The partnership between Golden and Patel was strengthened by a shared background. Both are alumni of the University of Texas, creating an immediate sense of connection and understanding. "As a fellow University of Texas alum, it was an honor and pleasure to help Matthew achieve this dream," Patel said.
The search process involved weeks of looking at properties and navigating the complexities of the real estate market. The initial hope was to repurchase the family's original home, but that option proved unfeasible. However, the search continued with the goal of finding an even better fit for his grandmother's needs.
"We navigated some challenges in the process, but we're thrilled with the outcome that resulted from our hard work ā a new home for the Golden family," Patel explained. Ultimately, they secured a house in a neighborhood that holds personal significance for Golden.
"While we weren't able to purchase our family home, we've found a house in an area that's also meaningful to me," Golden confirmed. "Home is where my family is, and I'm excited for us to enjoy many meals, holidays and football watch parties together."
A Gift That Gives Back
The story of the new home extends beyond the Golden family. In a significant act of philanthropy, Nimesh Patel donated 100% of his commission from the sale to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
The donation was directed to a local facility, the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, ensuring the funds would benefit the immediate community. This gesture was particularly timely, as it occurred during August, which is recognized as RE/MAX Month of Miracles. The initiative highlights the contributions of real estate professionals to the children's charity.
A History of Giving
Since establishing a partnership in 1992, RE/MAX affiliates across the United States and Canada have donated more than $218 million to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. These funds support millions of children treated at member hospitals each year.
Patel commented on the significance of the new home beyond the transaction itself. "What makes this move truly special is that it's not just a new house, but a return to familiar roots," he said. "This home will be the backdrop for countless new memories in a place that already holds so much meaning for them."
The entire process, from the initial promise to the final handover of the keys, has been documented. Fans and interested observers can follow the story in a documentary series titled "Get Golden Home," which is available on YouTube and various social media platforms.