Career Timeline of Jordy Nelson: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jordy Nelson made an impact.

Jordy Nelson is a former American NFL wide receiver, primarily known for his successful career with the Green Bay Packers. A consensus All-American at Kansas State, he was drafted by the Packers in 2008 and played a crucial role in their Super Bowl XLV victory in 2010. After a decade in Green Bay, Nelson spent a season with the Oakland Raiders before retiring. His achievements with the Packers led to his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2023, solidifying his legacy as a key player in the team's history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2003: Attended Kansas State University

In 2003, Jordy Nelson attended Kansas State University and played for the Wildcats football team under coach Bill Snyder.

2003: Walk-On at Kansas State

In 2003, Jordy Nelson began his college career as a walk-on at Kansas State and took his redshirt year as a member of the Wildcats' Big 12 Championship team.

2003: Kansas Shrine Bowl

In 2003, Jordy Nelson played in the Kansas Shrine Bowl. During his senior year in high school, he excelled as a quarterback and basketball player.

2003: State Titles in Track and Field

In 2003, during his senior year at Riley County High School, Jordy Nelson won state titles in Class 3A for the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and long jump. He also became the third player from Riley County High School to make the NFL.

2004: Moved to Wide Receiver

In 2004, Jordy Nelson was moved to the wide receiver position during spring practice after initially being set to play defensive back. He did not record any meaningful statistics in the Wildcats' 4-7 season.

2005: Coach Snyder Retires

In 2005, coach Bill Snyder retired from Kansas State University. Jordy Nelson remained with Kansas State.

2006: Continued College Career

In 2006, Jordy Nelson continued his college career at Kansas State under Ron Prince after Bill Snyder's retirement.

2006: College Season Highlights

In 2006, Jordy Nelson had 39 receptions for 547 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, leading the team in both categories. He had a standout performance against Colorado on November 4 with five receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown in the 34–21 victory. The Wildcats qualified for the Texas Bowl with a 7–5 record.

2007: Final College Year Under Ron Prince

In 2007, Jordy Nelson played the final year of his college career under Ron Prince at Kansas State University.

July 27, 2008: Signed Rookie Contract with Packers

On July 27, 2008, Jordy Nelson signed his rookie contract with the Green Bay Packers.

September 14, 2008: First NFL Touchdown

On September 14, 2008, Jordy Nelson scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, a 29-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers, during the 48-25 victory.

2008: Drafted by Green Bay Packers

In 2008, Jordy Nelson was selected in the second round (36th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the NFL draft.

2009: 2009 NFL Season

In the 2009 season, Jordy Nelson played in 13 games for the Packers, catching 22 passes for 320 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. He also served as the primary kick returner.

December 12, 2010: Revealed as Third-String Quarterback

On December 12, 2010, following an injury to Aaron Rodgers, it was revealed that Jordy Nelson was third on the Packers' quarterback depth chart.

2010: Expanded Role with Packers

In 2010, Jordy Nelson's role with the Packers expanded. He recorded his first receiving touchdown of the season on November 28 against the Atlanta Falcons and had four receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown on December 26 against the New York Giants.

October 2, 2011: Contract Extension

On October 2, 2011, Jordy Nelson signed a three-year, $13.35 million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers early into the season.

2011: Career-High Season

In 2011, Jordy Nelson finished the regular season with career highs in touchdowns (15), receptions (68), and receiving yards (1,263), also earning recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate.

January 1, 2012: Career-High Performance Against Lions

On January 1, 2012, in the regular season finale, Jordy Nelson had nine receptions for 162 yards and set a new career-high with three receiving touchdowns in the 45–41 victory over the Detroit Lions.

December 30, 2012: Touchdown in Regular Season Finale

On December 30, 2012, Jordy Nelson had three receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in the 37–34 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the regular season finale, scoring the tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter of the game.

2012: Consecutive Games with a Reception

In 2012, Jordy Nelson began a streak of 53 consecutive games with a reception, dating back to Week 9.

2012: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players

In 2012, Jordy Nelson was ranked 80th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.

2012: 2012 Season Performance

In the 2012 season, Jordy Nelson played in 12 games, starting ten. He had 49 receptions for 745 yards and scored seven touchdowns, missing four games due to a hamstring injury.

September 8, 2013: Start of the 2013 Season

On September 8, 2013, Jordy Nelson started the season with seven receptions for 130 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the 34-28 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

2013: Career Highs in 2013 Season

In the 2013 season, Jordy Nelson posted career highs with 85 receptions for 1,314 yards and eight touchdowns. He started all 16 games for the first time in his career and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

July 26, 2014: Signed Four-Year Extension

On July 26, 2014, Jordy Nelson signed a four-year extension worth $39 million with the Green Bay Packers, including an $11.5 million signing bonus.

2014: Playoffs and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2014, Jordy Nelson and the Packers achieved a 12–4 record, securing a playoff berth as the second seed. They earned a first-round bye. Nelson had two receptions in the Divisional Round against the Dallas Cowboys. They fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. Nelson was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

2014: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players of 2014

In 2014, Jordy Nelson was ranked 83rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

August 20, 2015: Kansas State Locker Room Renaming

On August 20, 2015, Kansas State renamed their football team's locker room after Jordy Nelson, following his donation to renovate their athletic facilities.

2015: Torn ACL Injury

During a Week 2 preseason game in 2015 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jordy Nelson sustained a torn ACL in his right knee, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

2015: Missed Season Due to Injury

In 2015, Jordy Nelson missed the entire season due to a torn ACL.

2016: Playoff Run with Packers

In 2016, Jordy Nelson and the Packers finished with a 10-6 record, winning the NFC North and reaching the playoffs. Nelson played in the Wild Card round and the NFC Championship despite a rib injury sustained against the Giants.

2016: Successful Return Season and Awards

In 2016, Jordy Nelson had a successful return season with 97 receptions, 1,257 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns, leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns. He was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2016: Return from Injury and Strong Performances

In 2016, Jordy Nelson returned from injury, had multiple games with significant receiving yards and touchdowns, including a career-high 18 targets against the Tennessee Titans on November 13, and a strong performance on Christmas Eve against the Minnesota Vikings.

September 10, 2017: Touchdown in Season Opener

On September 10, 2017, in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, Jordy Nelson caught a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers, contributing to the Packers' victory.

March 13, 2018: Release by Packers

On March 13, 2018, Jordy Nelson was released by the Green Bay Packers after ten seasons.

March 15, 2018: Signed with Oakland Raiders

On March 15, 2018, Jordy Nelson signed a two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders.

March 14, 2019: Released by Raiders

On March 14, 2019, Jordy Nelson was released by the Oakland Raiders after one season.

March 27, 2019: Retirement Announcement

On March 27, 2019, Jordy Nelson announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons.

August 4, 2019: Signed One-Day Contract with Packers

On August 4, 2019, Jordy Nelson signed a one-day contract to retire as a Green Bay Packer.

2021: Support for Compassion International and SHARP Literacy

In 2021, Jordy Nelson supported Compassion International and helped raise money for SHARP Literacy, a program designed to improve reading among children.

2024: NFL Appeals Hearing Officer

As of 2024, Jordy Nelson works in the NFL office, representing the NFL Players Association as an appeals hearing officer regarding on-field infractions.