William Glasheen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Green Bay Packers Give Jaire Alexander’s #23 to Popular Backup

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 4:19 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers have been at the center of the NFL world in recent days thanks to their acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in a blockbuster trade. In order to acquire Parsons, who is one of two players in NFL history with 12+ sacks in each of his first four seasons (Reggie White was the other), Green Bay had to send two first round picks and three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark to Dallas.

Parsons was introduced to the Green Bay media for the first time on Friday after he took his physical and signed his historic four-year $188 million contract extension. During this media session, the four-time Pro Bowler revealed that he had chosen jersey number one for this next chapter in his NFL career.

This choice is significant in Packers history because the only other player who ever wore that number in a regular season game was the franchise’s founder, Curly Lambeau.

But the buzz surrounding Parsons’ jersey number choice was soon joined by other number re-assignments announced on Saturday.

The Green Bay Packers Are Giving Emanuel Wilson #23, Previously Worn by Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers Give Jaire Alexander's #23 to Popular Backup 5 Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson (31) against the New Orleans Saints on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Saints 34-0.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

As mentioned, no Packers player has worn number one since Lambeau did in 1926. In addition to this shocking jersey assignment, rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, who had chosen number 22 for himself following the 2025 NFL Draft, has decided to change his number again.

For the first time in Green Bay history, a player will wear number zero.

And Golden’s number change is not the only one that the team is making. Additionally, backup running back Emanuel Wilson is switching from number 31 to 23, last worn by two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander:

Update: pic.twitter.com/vo7aku3c31

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 30, 2025

Alexander, of course, was released by the Packers earlier this year after the two sides could not come to an agreement on a revised contract to lower his cap hit.

Wilson, and undrafted free agent in 2023, made Green Bay’s 53-man roster for the third consecutive season. Last year, he had 502 rushing yards and four touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

With 2024 third round pick Marshawn Lloyd injured to start the season, Wilson likely will be the primary backup running back again behind Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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