NFL Receiver Jordy Nelson Shares How Farming Prepared Him for Football

For a game filled with complicated strategy and scheming, receiver extraordinaire Jordy Nelson sidesteps the difficulties with distinct ease. Jordy says, “To me, we’ve played the game long enough. It’s not that hard of a game. It’s all about doing your job and doing it to the best of your ability.”

Jordy’s simplicity springs far beyond a jersey, from roots that grew deep and genuine. Emerging among the NFL’s elite, the Green Bay Packers’ Pro Bowler has become the model of consistency adding, “I just hope people see who I am and understand the person I say I am and the person I act is the same person. There’s no two sides to the story, it’s the same person everyday.”

Jordy’s straightforward approach comes from his rural, Midwest upbringing, growing up on a Kansas family farm. 

Tom Buehring, 700 Club Reporter asks, “What about Jordy the receiver, best reflects Jordy the farmer?”

Jordy replies, “I think first is the discipline. Growing up on a family farm that’s where our income came from. And we relied on everyone to do their part. Running some very valuable machinery. Working with animals. You have to be disciplined in what you’re doing and know what you’re doing to get it done correctly to provide for the family/ And I think hard work as well. The first thing that comes up about farming is the hard work. That connection we had as a family of being around each other and relying on one another was great.”

The family connection serves as a great opportunity for teammates to observe. Jordy explains, “A few years ago I took back a lot of receivers and was around the time of my birthday so my sister and family threw a birthday party and my grandparents were there and we played whiffle ball in the backyard. And everyone from my mom to my dad to my grandma and grandpa was playing. I remember after that some were saying this would never happen in my family get together. You couldn’t get everyone together. You couldn’t get everyone to get along. But when you hear stories like that and there stories you really appreciate what you had.”

As a receiver, Jordy had to catch-up quickly. The former high school quarterback was a walk-on at Kansas State to play defense, where he switched positions again, catching passes and eventually the attention of NFL scouts. That brought him here to Green Bay, where his cold-weather durability, hands and heart are all embraced! Jordy admits, “I had a lot and a lot of learning to do, especially at this level. So I was trying to pick it up as fast as possible. I had a great group of receivers and coaches and Aaron as a quarterback to teach me and learn from and to watch. So I was in a great situation. We had a lot of wide receivers so I was able to sit back, watch, develop and wait for my opportunity.”

Coming to small town Green Bay was a match made in heaven. Jordy believes “it was!” Adding, “Heading into the draft I didn’t really care where I went. But once we got drafted by Green Bay and understood the community, how its shaped and the area and the surroundings and all that – my wife and I realized it’s the perfect fit for us … its been an honor to be a part of the organization and most likely be able to spend my whole career in Green Bay, Wisconsin and I think that’s something everyone dreams of.” 

The thrill of a Lambeau Leap is unlike any other! Jordy describes, “Every time you score there’s a rush to it if it’s home or away. But to be able to do it at home, and then jump into the fans, it’s a part of the tradition and its one of those things that not a lot of people get the opportunity to do, to celebrate with the fans in that way. We enjoy them. Sometimes they can get crazy. But it’s fun and unique every time.”

Fifty-three touchdowns over his 7-year career! For Jordy, scoring reaches past points to purpose. He handles opportunities with the same vested interest that was extended to him. Jordy says, “What am I going to do while I’m here to make an impact? It’s to change something. First and foremost, is God and the abilities He’s given me and put me in certain situations. I’ve been blessed for coaches, teachers, family and friends that have impacted you and I think it goes back to growing up in a small town that you have a lot of people that have a hand in what I’m able to do now and who I am today.”

Jordy became the first Packers player to surpass 1500 receiving yards in a single-season. His trademark is sure-handed reliability in critical moments of big games, while his reputation favors generosity and humility. The Packers Super Bowl win in 2011 reinforced his perspective for the eternal. He says “Remember why you’re here and what you stand for. Going into the Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl can change your life forever. And it doesn’t! If you have the foundation of Christ in your life, there’s more to you than just football. It’s our goal this year and my job is to win the Super Bowl, but if all you have for life is a Super Bowl Championship you’re gonna come up short.”

Jordy Nelson, whose long strides have turned disciplines of farming into a field day of football success – sowing generously and reaping generously by grabbing hold of his most significant yield! The Packers receiver admires God’s transforming power, saying,

“It’s just amazing to me, that no matter what you’ve been through or what you’ve done, He’s always there for you, he’s waiting on you. You can’t do anything to earn it. Nothing in life is that way. And I think that’s why it’s hard to understand sometimes is because no matter what you do, whatever it is – you can never buy that. So you just have to accept His grace.”