Packers News: Did Matthew Golden Shade Teams Who Passed Up on Him in 2025 Draft With Jersey Number Choice? The Truth Straight from Him

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 Packers, Matthew Golden, NFL Draft — Wide Receiver Matthew Golden of Texas poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers Mark Murphy after being selected twenty-third overall pick by the Green Bay Packers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay.

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.

Pacers @ Cavaliers – NBA Game Preview for May 04, 2025 06:00 PM EST

I am now ready to change my stance on 22 because that goes hard https://t.co/VDEBW6eYJP

— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) May 3, 2025

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) scores a touchdown against Michigan defensive back Aamir Hall (12) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

Including a lot of teams that need WR help. I thought for sure the Broncos would take you

— Cheez (@FootballCheez) May 3, 2025

Boom
I love the chip. Use it!

— Leatherneck13 (@devil_dog1313) May 3, 2025

Matthew Golden explains jersey number choice

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.

Green Bay Packers, Matthew Golden — Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is interviewed by the media during rookie minicamp on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers selected Golden with their first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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.”