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Green Bay, WI – In a franchise where tradition runs as deep as the frozen tundra at Lambeau Field, breaking from the norm is a rare and bold move. But that’s exactly what rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden did the moment he stepped onto the field at the Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp on May 1, 2025. His statement? Wearing the number 0—the first player in the team’s 104-year history to do so.

For over a century, the Packers have honored their legacy through iconic jersey numbers: Bart Starr’s No. 15, Brett Favre’s No. 4, Reggie White’s No. 92, and Aaron Rodgers’ No. 12. These numbers don’t just identify players—they tell stories of greatness. But never before has “0” been part of that narrative—until now.

Golden, a first-round pick out of TCU, could have selected a more conventional number in the wide receiver range of 10–19 or 80–89. Instead, he embraced the NFL’s expanded numbering rules, which since 2023 allow receivers to wear 0. His reason? “Zero represents my journey,” Golden said during a press conference. “I came from nothing. I want to build everything from scratch, right here in Green Bay.”

And just like that, Golden became a symbol of the team’s new era.

The buzz around his number choice has been immediate. Fans flooded social media platforms with reactions ranging from surprise to admiration. The nickname “Zero Hero” began trending on X, while Packers Pro Shop saw a surge in pre-orders for “Golden 0” jerseys. It wasn’t just a number—it was a statement of identity, grit, and vision.

Even within the locker room, Golden’s choice hasn’t gone unnoticed. Quarterback Jordan Love joked, “Zero’s the only number fast enough to keep up with him,” referencing Golden’s elite burst off the line of scrimmage. Head coach Matt LaFleur added, “It’s a bold number, and Matthew’s a bold player. He came here to make his mark, and he’s doing it already.”

Golden’s rise hasn’t come easy. Largely overlooked early in his college recruitment, he carved out a name for himself at TCU through toughness, highlight-reel catches, and relentless work ethic. Now, with the Packers eyeing a fresh chapter post-Aaron Rodgers, Golden’s presence—and his number—signal something new: a break from tradition and a hunger to build a future from the ground up.

Will number 0 become the next legendary digit in Packers history? That’s yet to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—Matthew Golden didn’t wait to be remembered. He made history the moment he chose a number no Packer ever had.

And in doing so, he might’ve just given fans a new jersey worth wearing for the next decade.