In a move that has sparked intrigue among Green Bay Packers fans, rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has made a bold decision to switch his jersey number from No. 22 to No. 0 just before the start of the regular season. This unprecedented choice marks the first time in the franchise’s storied history that a player will don the No. 0 in a regular season game, and the reasoning behind Golden’s decision is as compelling as it is personal.
Golden, a first-round draft pick and the Packers’ first first-round wide receiver since 2002, has always had a penchant for single-digit numbers. “I always wanted a single digit,” Golden said during a press conference on Wednesday. Having worn No. 2 in high school and during his college career at Houston and Texas, Golden initially found himself assigned No. 81 upon joining the Packers. He later switched to No. 22, but the opportunity to wear No. 0—a number never before worn by a Packers player—proved too enticing to pass up.
“They said 0 has never been worn here, so obviously it’s going to be the first time in franchise history,” Golden explained. “For me, I just want to make a name for myself in that number.” The chance to etch his name into the Packers’ record books as the first player to wear No. 0 was a significant factor in his decision, but it’s also a reflection of his desire to carve out a unique identity in the NFL.
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The NFL’s decision to allow players to wear No. 0 starting in 2023 opened the door for Golden’s historic choice. The number became available after the league expanded its jersey number rules, and Golden seized the opportunity to stand out. His decision follows in the footsteps of another trailblazer, Micah Parsons, who became the first Packers player to wear No. 1 since Curly Lambeau. Golden’s switch to No. 0, however, is a first for the franchise, adding a new chapter to its legacy.
Golden’s journey to this moment has been one of dedication and passion. “A dream come true,” he said, reflecting on his upcoming NFL regular season debut at Lambeau Field on Sunday. “Just a kid, fell in love with football around 8. Put in so much work every day for this moment now. For me, the hard work paid off. Now I get to go out there and have fun.” His excitement is palpable, and the number change only amplifies the anticipation surrounding his debut.
Number switches before the regular season are not uncommon in the NFL. In 1998, Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss famously switched from No. 18 in training camp to No. 84 before the regular season. Golden’s move, however, carries extra weight due to its historical significance for the Packers. With No. 2 already claimed by quarterback Malik Willis, Golden saw No. 0 as a chance to make a statement while staying true to his preference for single-digit numbers.
As Golden prepares to take the field, the spotlight will be on more than just his performance. His choice of No. 0 represents a bold declaration of individuality and a nod to his ambition to leave a lasting mark on the Packers’ legacy. Fans at Lambeau Field and beyond will be watching closely as this rookie receiver aims to turn heads—not just with his play, but with a number that’s never been seen before in Green Bay.