Crestliner Boats and Mercury Marine partner with NFL player
US-based Crestliner Boats and Brunswick-owned Mercury Marine are partnering with American football player, Matthew Golden.
As part of the collaboration, Golden – who was the 2025 first‑round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers, will run a Crestliner 2050 Fish Hawk equipped with a 250hp Mercury Pro XS. The setup is a tournament‑ready fishing rig known for its durability, versatility, and unmatched engine performance.
Golden, the first wide receiver taken in the first round by the Packers in the last 20 years, grew up fishing and enjoying life in the outdoors.
“Fishing has always been part of who I am,” Golden says. “I grew up on the water. It’s where I learned patience, focus, and appreciation for the outdoors. Partnering with Crestliner and Mercury Marine feels like a natural fit, and I can’t wait to get my Fish Hawk out on the lakes.”
It is hoped Golden’s strong 100,000+ followers on Instagram will provide digital reach and brand amplification.
This is not the first boat brand to harness the power of athletes and celebrities. Earlier this month, footballer Robert Lewandowski joined Sunreef Yachts as a brand ambassador. Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon has partnered with Williams Marine Group, while the E1 race series has promoted its superstar team owners including Rafa Nadal, and NFL star Tom Brady.
Golden will make two appearances this spring and summer with dates to be announced.
“Matthew embodies everything we value including grit, integrity, and a genuine love for fishing and the outdoors,” says Jason Oakes, general manager of Crestliner Boats. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Crestliner family and the Fish Hawk matches his passion for fishing and the outdoors”
Mercury Marine is a leader in marine propulsion and technology and a division of Brunswick Corporation.
“The Mercury 250HP Pro XS powering Matthew’s Fish Hawk is engineered for competitors like him – agile, fast, and built to perform when it matters most,” says Jeff Becker, category director, high horsepower outboards at Mercury Marine. “In his first year with the Packers, Matthew has proven himself to be a reliable and trusted wide receiver, and that dependability makes this partnership a natural fit. We’re excited to see him take that performance to the water.”
