It’s just a simple jersey number reveal for Matthew Golden but for some, the Green Bay Packers rookie is hinting on something.
Green Bay’s 23rd overall pick quoted a post on X by an NFL fan with the caption “22 of ’em” and fans instantly thought that it was him shading other teams who passed up on him the 2025 NLF draft.
Tennessee Titans made the first pick and they selected Cam Ward. Most of the succeeding picks selected based on what the team needs instead of talent.
There were three other wide receivers selected before Golden.
He did not say it directly but people now think he has a chip on his shoulder entering the 2025 season.
While fans are quick to assume that Golden hated being passed up and expressed that through a jersey number, the Texax Longhorns standout explained it is a tribute to his grandmother.
He also included the history of Packers not picking a WR in the first round since 2022 until him.
“My grandma, her favorite number was 2 growing up. She told she wanted me to represent that number. I knew that last receiver that was drafted was 2002, so it made sense to me,” he said.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
He also said that the number choice can be random and he will play as hard as he can no matter what number he chooses.
“For me, it’s just a jersey number,” Golden said. “I could wear 85 if I wanted to. I’m still going to go out there and get open…there was just meaning behind the number 22 for me. It’s got history behind it so it made sense to me.”
