“MONEY CAN’T BUY ME!” – Packers Star Matthew Golden Turns Down $10 Million Offer from Elon Musk to Join Tesla Team, Leaves Media Stunned and Musk Speechless

In a moment that’s already being called one of the most talked-about moves in sports-business crossovers this year, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has shocked the nation by rejecting a $10 million offer from Elon Musk to join the Tesla Team — a bold decision that’s gone viral, sparked media frenzy, and triggered an unexpected, cryptic response from Musk himself.

The Shocking Offer

According to sources close to the negotiations, Elon Musk and his executive team at Tesla had extended an exclusive multi-million-dollar deal to Matthew Golden. The deal was part of Tesla’s new “CyberFit Initiative” — a tech-driven athlete partnership program aimed at promoting Tesla’s upcoming AI-based sports training systems and wearable tech.

The contract included:

• $10 million in guaranteed payment

• A significant equity stake in CyberFit

• Public appearances, branding opportunities, and co-created fitness content

• A potential future role in Tesla’s rumored “Athlete Performance AI Lab”

But Golden’s answer was a firm “no.”

Golden’s Response: “I’m Not for Sale”

Speaking to The Athletic shortly after the news broke, Golden addressed the offer candidly:

“I’m not here to be anyone’s brand puppet. I respect what Elon is building, but I’ve got my own mission, my team, my values. Money can’t buy me.”

That last phrase instantly lit up the sports world, turning into a rallying cry across social media — #MoneyCantBuyMe began trending within hours.

Elon Musk’s Reaction: A Surprising Turn

In true Elon Musk fashion, the tech titan responded on X (formerly Twitter) with a mysterious — and slightly passive-aggressive — tweet:

“Sometimes stars shine brighter off the grid. We’ll build with those who want the future. ⚡🤖 #CyberFit”

Musk didn’t mention Golden by name, but the timing — and tone — left little doubt.

Fans and Analysts React: “This Is Bigger Than Football”

The internet quickly exploded with reactions:

• @CheeseheadFaithful: “That’s our WR1! Loyalty. Brains. Integrity.”

• @NFLInsider24: “Turning down $10M from Elon? Matthew Golden just sent a message to every athlete in the league.”

• @TechTrendsLive: “Tesla’s plan to dominate sports branding just hit a massive speed bump. Golden said no. Loudly.”

Even sports journalists who usually avoid tech coverage weighed in, calling Golden’s move “a career-defining moment without even touching the ball.”

Brand Experts: “Golden Just Doubled His Value”

PR and branding experts say Golden’s refusal may actually boost his market appeal — particularly among companies looking for authentic, grounded figures.

“In a time where athletes are plastered across ads for anything with a check, Golden made himself rare,” said BrandTrust CEO Liana Cartwright. “That kind of principle sells. Ironically, it makes him even more valuable.”

What Was Tesla Thinking?

This isn’t the first time Tesla has tried to enter the world of sports partnerships. Rumors have circulated that Musk has approached other NFL stars, NBA veterans, and even Olympic athletes as part of a quiet push to make Tesla “the future of human performance.”

Golden was reportedly the centerpiece of this vision — a Gen Z athlete with both charisma and credibility. But now, the entire rollout is in question.

“Without Golden, their campaign just lost its authenticity,” said one source familiar with Tesla’s media plans.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Over Lucrative Deals

At just 21 years old, Matthew Golden has shown a level of maturity and clarity rare in today’s high-stakes, brand-driven sports environment. Turning down a $10 million offer from the world’s richest man isn’t just a rejection — it’s a statement.