Perseverance lands J. Michael Sturdivant on Packers’ initial 53-man roster

# What happened J. Michael Sturdivant, a 23-year-old undrafted receiver out of Florida, made the Green Bay Packers' initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. The decision extends the Packers' streak of carrying at least one undrafted rookie on the Week 1 roster to 22 straight years.

# Why it matters Sturdivant's inclusion is notable because Green Bay entered training camp with depth at wideout, including multiple high-round draft picks and returning contributors. Despite that competition, Sturdivant's preseason performance and developing role on special teams gave coaches a reason to keep him active for Week 1.

# How he earned the spot Sturdivant produced the most eye-catching game of his preseason during the finale against Arizona: six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a 42-38 win. Over the preseason he totaled nine catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. Coaches and the front office cited his rapid growth since arriving in Green Bay and his emerging special-teams play as factors in the decision to keep him.

# Background and measurables

• College path: recruited to Cal (redshirted first year), earned freshman All-America honors in 2022 at Cal (65 catches, 755 yards, seven TDs), transferred to UCLA, then finished at Florida.
• Physical profile: 6-foot-3, 207 pounds. At the NFL Scouting Combine he posted a 4.4 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-11 broad jump. He recorded a 9.96 Relative Athletic Score in pre-draft testing.
• Football lineage: He is the nephew of the late Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little. His father played at Virginia Tech and his mother is in Bradley University's track and field hall of fame.

# Team perspective General Manager Brian Gutekunst said Sturdivant's measurables and college production suggested he might have been a draft pick and described signing him as similar to gaining an extra draft choice. Head Coach Matt LaFleur pointed to Sturdivant's offensive improvement and growing impact on special teams, noting his ownership and execution in those roles.

# Where he fits now With six receivers kept on the initial roster (including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Skyy Moore, and Bo Melton), Sturdivant appears positioned as a depth receiver who can contribute on special teams. Injuries elsewhere—most notably Savion Williams being placed on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain—affected the receiver room's composition, but team officials said they planned to keep Sturdivant regardless because of his preseason work.

# What to watch next

• Sturdivant's snap counts in early regular-season games, both on offense and special teams.
• Whether he develops into a rotational target in the Packers' passing attack or a consistent special-teams contributor.

# Bottom line Sturdivant combined college production, notable athletic testing, a strong preseason finish, and visible progress in practice to convert an undrafted opportunity into a roster spot. His early role will likely emphasize special teams and depth at receiver while he competes for offensive snaps.