First Independence Bowl Alumni Drafted in the First Round of the NFL Draft Since 2021

Photo: 2022 Houston Cougars Athletics

SHREVEPORT, La. (April 25, 2025) – Adding to the long list of former Independence Bowl players to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, wide receiver Matthew Golden became the 74th Independence Bowl alumni selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and the first since 2021.

Golden, who caught two passes for 17 yards for Houston in the 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl before finishing his collegiate career at Texas, was selected 23rd overall by the Green Bay Packers. The last former Independence Bowl player to be selected by the Packers in the first round was Arkansas cornerback Ahmad Carroll in 2004.

Before Golden, the last player to be selected in the first round was former Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau with the 30th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Two former Independence Bowl players have been taken with the first overall selection – Bruce Smith in 1985 and Eli Manning in 2003.

Golden is one of many players drafted this weekend who will join the list of 88 former Independence Bowl players who played in the NFL last season.

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game. No. 22/19 (CFP/AP) Army West Point defeated Louisiana Tech, 27-6, in the 48th edition on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through the 2025-26 Bowl Season. The bowl’s conference, team and television agreements also run through the 2025-26 season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to help enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.