Jordy Nelson retires after terrific career with Packers, Raiders
It was quite the run for wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who put up big numbers during a very impressive career with the Packers and the Raiders.
Kansas State University standout Jordy Nelson was the 36th overall selection by the Green Bay Packers in the 2008 NFL Draft. The timing proved to be perfect as the franchise was ready to embark on a new era as Aaron Rodgers took over the team’s starting quarterback job in place of Brett Favre.
On Wednesday, former teammate James Jones announced the Nelson was retiring.
🚨After more than a decade in the NFL, my brother, former #Packers & #Raiders WR @JordyRNelson is calling it a career. He’s stepping away from the game with more than 8,500 yards...72+ TD’s and as a SB Champion! I’m proud of him and happy for him and his family! #Ese’ #Respect
— James Jones (@89JonesNTAF) March 27, 2019
The 6-foot-3, 217-pound receiver had his moments during his first three seasons in the league, although the numbers were far from overwhelming. He amassed 100 catches for 1,268 yards and six scores in 45 regular-season contests. However, Nelson would wind up putting on a show during the final three games of the Pack’s Super Bowl run in 2010.
He was targeted a combined 28 times vs. the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished with an impressive 21 catches for 286 yards and two scores. In Super Bowl XLV, he was targeted 15 times and managed nine grabs for 140 yards and one touchdown in the club’s 31-25 victory.
That game could be considered a turning point. Over the next four years, Nelson played in 60 regular-season contests and notched 300 catches, good for 4,841 yards and 43 scores. He totaled at least 1,200 yards in three of those campaigns.
But then came another moment against Pittsburgh which proved to be unfortunate. In a 2015 preseason game at Heinz Field, he would suffer a torn ACL and was lost for the year. Yet in ’16, he bounced back in resounding fashion. Nelson was targeted a career-high 152 times and finished with 97 receptions. The sure-handed wideout finished with 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns. It added up to earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors.
The next season, the Packers missed the playoffs largely because Rodgers was injured. It was also a rough year for Nelson, totaling 53 receptions for 482 yards and six touchdowns. After the season, Green Bay opted to release him. The battle-tested wide receiver wound up with the Oakland Raiders.
With the Silver and Black, Nelson made 63 grabs for 739 yards and three scores. Still, it wasn’t enough to retain him, with Oakland cutting the veteran loose.
More fansided.com: 2019 NFL Free Agency Tracker
The career numbers add up to 613 catches for 8,587 yards and 72 TD receptions in 10 NFL seasons. Nelson also caught 54 passes for 668 yards and five scores in 13 postseason contests, all with the Packers.