GREEN BAY, WI — When training camp opened in July, most fans were watching Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. But in the corner of the practice field, wearing a plain No. 82 jersey, stood a rookie wide receiver few had heard of — Julian Hicks.
He didn’t come from Alabama. Or Georgia. Or even a Power Five program.
He came from Saginaw Valley State.
A small school. A long shot. And now? He’s the feel-good story of Packers training camp.
✊ A Journey That Almost Didn’t Happen
Julian Hicks’ journey to the NFL was anything but smooth. Undrafted. No Combine invite. He didn’t have a draft party. He had a gym bag, a dream, and a one-way bus ticket to a rookie tryout.
Packers scouts noticed his sharp route-running and relentless motor.
Head Coach Matt LaFleur didn’t say much, but he kept calling Hicks’ number during drills. And the rookie kept answering — over and over again.
Now, with multiple Packers wide receivers missing time due to injury, Hicks is getting real reps with Jordan Love and the first team.
“He just shows up and works,” said Love. “No ego. No flash. But he keeps getting open.”
🔥 One Moment Changed Everything
It was during the Family Night scrimmage, in front of 60,000 screaming fans at Lambeau Field, when Hicks had his moment.
A slant route. A contested catch. And then a roar from the crowd.
“I looked up and realized where I was,” Hicks said afterward. “Lambeau. With the G on my helmet. That’s when it hit me.”
Since then, he’s become a locker room favorite, a fan underdog, and a coaching staff wildcard.
👀 What This Means for the Packers
The Packers have always found hidden gems — from Donald Driver to Sam Shields. Hicks could be the next.
He’s not guaranteed a spot on the final 53-man roster… yet.
But in a camp filled with headlines and drama across the league, his story has become a reminder of what football is really about: heart, grit, and chasing something bigger than yourself.
“I’m just grateful,” Hicks says. “Not a lot of guys from Saginaw Valley get this shot. I’m gonna make it count.”
🧠 Takeaway for Packers Fans
Every year, training camp reveals surprises.
This year, it’s Julian Hicks.
He may not be a fantasy pick. He may not be on every analyst’s radar.
But if you believe in the spirit of Green Bay — the idea that football isn’t just about stars, but stories — then you’ll be rooting for No. 82 all the way through preseason.
