Jordy Nelson stomps on all hopes of potential Packers return

Packers fans were hopeful that former fan favorite Jordy Nelson would come out of retirement, but he’s not about it.

Jordy Nelson’s last season in the NFL was 2018 with the then-Oakland Raiders. He hasn’t played in Green Bay since 2017, and hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2014. All of these facts make Packers’ fans infatuation with him all the more confusing.

Yet, Nelson has been put on the spot several times now, forced to answer a burning question in the minds of Cheeseheads everywhere: Would you consider stepping out of retirement for one last chance at a ring with Aaron Rodgers?

Would Jordy Nelson consider coming out of retirement to play with the Packers?

Nelson doesn’t seem interested. Despite a torn ACL in 2015, Nelson’s been lucky enough to stay fairly healthy through a decade-long NFL career. Perhaps he’s counting his blessings.

“We’re not coming back. There’s no doubt about that. We’re done,” Nelson told Jason Wilde of ESPN Milwaukee and the Wisconsin State Journal.

https://twitter.com/IKE_Packers/status/1267135716099854338

Nelson is set in his ways, but will that be enough to satisfy a fanbase that’s itching for another legitimate receiving option to emerge next to DaVante Adams? Yes, the Packers signed Devin Funchess this offseason, but the front office’s unwillingness to provide Rodgers with a significant upgrade at wideout during the NFL Draft — and insistence on selecting the QB of the future — suggests they have different expectations for this team than the fans.

Considering the circumstances, it’s not surprising Jordy is content with his one-day contract to retire as a Packer, which he completed following the 2019 season. His production in his lone year in Oakland, in which he caught 63 passes for 739 yards and three touchdowns, suggests he left the game with some mileage left on him.

Nelson did reveal that he would’ve thought about joining the Packers after the 2018 season, but Brian Gutekunst didn’t show much interest. At this point, however, Nelson is content leaving his NFL career behind him.