For years, it had been a running joke that the Green Bay Packers refused to use their first round pick(s) on a wide receiver. In the latter years of Aaron Rodgers‘ tenure with the team, many fans grew frustrated with the Packers front office for consistently taking defensive players with their first round picks. And, in 2020, when they selected Jordan Love, it created even more of a stir, especially since those fans wanted Tee Higgins.
But, on Thursday night, Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy, who was able to get the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, announced that, for the first time since 2002, his team was taking a wide receiver in the first round.
The player Green Bay selected was Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden, who was received by a cacophony of cheers from the 205,000 people in attendance.
Green Bay Packers Fans Do Not Like the Number Matthew Golden Will Wear
When the Packers first selected Golden, many fans wanted him to have his college number, two. That number, of course, is currently claimed by backup quarterback Malik Willis.
If not two, many wanted to see him get 84, which was worn by Sterling Sharpe, who was recently voted for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
However, the Packers announced that Golden will be wearing number 81, and the Green Bay faithful are not thrilled:
The aura is ruined
— Greg Williams (@GregWilliams28) April 25, 2025
Huge miss
— Tyrell (@iiTz_Tyrell) April 25, 2025
EW TAKE IT OFF
— ★ Nike ★ (@KKKLIPZ) April 25, 2025
NOOOO
— Mr.ChaseACheck (@balenxiKash) April 25, 2025
@MatthewGolden_ text Malik man, you need 2!
— Michael Allen 🧀 (@MichaelAllenNFL) April 26, 2025
Other notable players to wear 81 for the Packers include Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard and Merv Flemming, who won several titles on the Vince Lombardi teams.
More Green Bay Packers News from Gridiron Heroics
- How Matthew Golden Fits on the Packers and Wear They Go from Here
- Packers Legend Clay Matthews Kicks Off 2025 NFL Draft with Message from Donald Trump
- “This Is Where I Like to Be;” Packers See Travis Hunter Express Love for Green Bay
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here
