After Texas receiver Matthew Golden was selected in the first round by the Green Bay Packers, they originally gave him the number 81. Quickly, he pivoted to the number 22, which he’s worn since.
On Saturday, though, Golden changed his number to 0, marking the first time ever that a Packer has worn that number. Previously, this number has been off-limits for Green Bay’s players, ever since the NFL allowed for the number to be worn again beginning in 2023. But number 1 hasn’t been worn in nearly 100
years, and that was just given to pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Times are a-changing, and so are jersey numbers.
Beyond Golden, the Packers also announced on Saturday that running back Emanuel Wilson will be changing from 31 to 23, which was previously worn by running back Israel Abanikanda, now a member of the Packers’ practice squad. Abanikanda will switch to 28, which was worn this summer by linebacker Isaiah Simmons, who was released at cutdowns.
At Texas, Golden wore number 2, which is currently held by Green Bay backup quarterback Malik Willis. Wilson wore 1 at Fort Valley State, while Abanikanda also wore 2 at Pittsburgh.
