Matthew Golden reacts to being drafted in the first round by the Packers
For the first time in 23 years, the Packers picked a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft, when the team drafted Texas’ Matthew Golden.
Green Bay Packers first-round draft pick Matthew Golden has already seen his share of jersey switches. First announced as No. 81 during the weekend of the draft (with former No. 81 Desmond Howard in attendance), the Packers quickly switched that to No. 22. And that doesn’t even count the ceremonial No. 1 jersey Golden held up when he took to the stage following the announcement of his selection.
Golden will look to blaze a trail for wide receivers wearing a jersey in the 20s. Of all the wide receivers in the NFL catching 20 or more passes last year, only New Orleans’ Rashid Shaheed (who caught exactly 20 passes and is a Pro Bowl return man) wears a jersey that fits the bill, switching to No. 22 for last season.
Since 2021, wideouts can choose a number between 0-49 or between 80-89. Prior to that, they were restricted to 10-19 along with 80-89.
The rest of the number assignments follow a more traditional path by position. Here’s the rundown:
Last Packer to wear it: Robert RochellBefore that: Shemar Jean-CharlesBest Packer: Mark Lee (1980-90)In the Packers Hall of Fame: Elijah Pitts (1961-71)Last Packer: Josh MyersBefore that: Ricky WagnerBest Packer: Josh Sitton (2008-15)In the Packers Hall of Fame: Bill Forester (1959-63)Last Packer: Samori ToureBefore that: Marquez Valdes-ScantlingBest Packer: John Jefferson (1981-84)Last Packer: Jonathan FordBefore that: James LooneyBest Packer: Corey Williams (2004-07)Last Packer: Eric WilsonBefore that: John LovettBest Packer: Perry Smith (1973-76)Last Packer: Preston SmithBefore that: Quinton DialBest Packer: Brian Noble (1985-93)Last Packer: Corey BallentineBefore that: Darnell SavageBest Packer: Herb Adderley (1961-69)Last Packer: Andre DillardBefore that: Yosh NijmanBest Packer: Daryn Colledge (2006-10)
(This story was updated to add new information.)