ss Just three hours after his unexpected release sent shockwaves through Green Bay, the young receiver who stunned the league by earning a Week 1 starting spot as an undrafted rookie has already dropped a bombshell of his own — he wants back in
Just three hours after being released from the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster, Malik Heath — the young star who set a rare historical milestone as the first undrafted wide receiver to start in Week 1 for the Packers since 1970 — quickly expressed his desire to return to the team’s practice squad. This move reflects the unwavering determination of a young player who has traveled a long and difficult road to earn his place in the NFL.
The decision to release Heath came as the Packers needed to clear a roster spot to activate Jayden Reed following his return from injury. With the wide receiver group gradually getting healthy, Heath — despite being a versatile player who blocks well and contributes on special teams — became a casualty of the harsh roster math. This is the familiar dark side of the NFL, where opportunity often depends more on timing than on effort.
After receiving the news of his release, Malik Heath shared an emotional message with local media. “I don’t hold any resentment toward anyone. Green Bay gave me the chance to chase my NFL dream, and I’m grateful for that more than anything. If I’m allowed to stay, even if it’s only on the practice squad, I’m willing to start over from zero. I still have the hunger, the passion, and so much more I want to give to the Packers jersey,” Heath said. His words, though brief, clearly reveal the professionalism and relentless will of a player who built his career from nothing.
Before reaching the NFL, Heath had a breakout season at Ole Miss in 2022 with 971 receiving yards and five touchdowns, which put him on the Packers’ radar despite not being selected in the Draft. Being named a Week 1 starter in his rookie season was once seen as an inspirational story at Lambeau Field. Though his NFL career has yet to shine statistically, Heath has consistently been praised for his competitive spirit and willingness to sacrifice for the team.
The future of Malik Heath remains uncertain. The Packers could consider bringing him back to the practice squad if no major roster changes occur in the coming days. Regardless of the final outcome, Heath’s journey remains a powerful reminder of a harsh yet hopeful truth in the NFL: for undrafted players, opportunities can disappear in an instant — but as long as belief remains, the door is never completely closed.
