Jordy Nelson, a name etched in the hearts of Green Bay Packers fans, retired from the NFL after an illustrious 11-year career. A second-round draft pick from Kansas State in 2008, Nelson left a legacy as one of the most reliable and beloved wide receivers in Packers’ history. But after years of thrilling fans on the field, where is Jordy Nelson now, and what is he up to?
Life After Football: Back to His Roots
After officially retiring from the NFL in 2019, Jordy Nelson didn’t move to the big city or stay in the limelight. Instead, he returned to his roots in Kansas. Nelson grew up on a 4,000-acre family farm near Riley, Kansas, where his love for football was matched by his dedication to farming. Today, that same farm is where he spends much of his time, continuing to work with his family and raise his children.
Nelson’s transition from NFL superstar to farmer might surprise some, but for those who know him, it’s perfectly in line with his humble and grounded nature. He often spoke about his love for working on the farm, saying it taught him values like hard work, commitment, and discipline. Those lessons shaped his approach to football and now guide him as he tends to the farm’s 1,000-cow Angus beef herd and its extensive grain operation.
Raising His Family in Kansas
Jordy Nelson’s focus now is on his family and farm life. He and his wife, Emily, are raising their two sons, Royal and Brooks, in the same environment that shaped him—rural Kansas. The couple has deep roots in the area, with both their families farming nearby. Jordy and Emily are committed to raising their children with the same values of hard work and simplicity that Jordy himself grew up with.
Despite his success on the football field, Nelson always made it clear that farming was his ultimate plan. In interviews, he often mentioned how eager he was to get back to Kansas and help on the farm, especially during wheat harvest season. Although his professional football career took him away for long stretches, he would spend every summer between minicamps and training camps back home, helping out on the combine.
Jordy Nelson’s NFL Legacy
Jordy Nelson’s NFL career is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and remarkable talent. During his ten seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Nelson became one of the franchise’s all-time greats. He ranks third in team history in receptions (550), fifth in receiving yards (7,848), and second in touchdown receptions (69). His career was highlighted by three seasons with over 1,250 receiving yards and 13 or more touchdowns, a feat that places him among the NFL’s elite receivers.
In 2014, Nelson had his best season, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors with a career-high 98 receptions and 1,519 receiving yards. After suffering a knee injury in 2015 that sidelined him for the entire season, Nelson bounced back in 2016 to become the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year. He continued to deliver for the Packers with his reliable hands and big-play ability.
Perhaps one of his most memorable moments came during Super Bowl XLV, where Nelson caught nine passes for 140 yards and a touchdown, helping the Packers win the championship. Nelson’s contribution to the Packers’ success during his tenure cannot be overstated, and he is undoubtedly a future Packers Hall of Famer.
From the Gridiron to the Farm: A Different Kind of Work Ethic
While Nelson’s on-field achievements were celebrated by millions, his heart has always been on the farm. Farming, he once said, requires the same kind of work ethic and discipline as playing professional football. But in some ways, it’s even tougher. Nelson mentioned in interviews that after just a few weeks back on the farm, it would take time for him to get back into “farming shape,” especially with long days in the Kansas heat.
Whether it’s working with cattle or operating heavy machinery, Nelson approaches farm work with the same dedication he had on the football field. In fact, he enjoys the challenges of working with the cattle, as it keeps him alert and engaged. While many of his former teammates might be relaxing in retirement or pursuing media careers, Nelson is happiest when he’s back on the farm, getting his hands dirty and living a life far removed from the glitz of the NFL.
Community and Giving Back
Although Nelson has largely stepped out of the spotlight since his retirement, he hasn’t forgotten the importance of giving back. During his time with the Packers, Nelson worked with the Wisconsin Dairy Council to promote healthy eating and exercise through the Fuel Up to Play 60 program in schools. His goal was to encourage children to stay active and make smart food choices.
Now, in Kansas, Nelson continues to support his local community in various ways, though he does so quietly, without seeking attention. His return to his hometown has reinforced his connection to his roots and allowed him to give back to the rural community that helped shape him.
Conclusion: A Life Well Balanced
Jordy Nelson’s post-NFL life is a beautiful example of balance and contentment. After years of thrilling fans with his talent on the football field, he’s now focused on what matters most to him: his family, his farm, and his community. While many retired athletes struggle to adjust to life after sports, Nelson’s clear sense of identity and purpose has made his transition seamless. He might be remembered for his touchdown catches and Super Bowl heroics, but for Jordy Nelson, life on the farm is the ultimate victory.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Jordy Nelson
1. Where is Jordy Nelson now? Jordy Nelson is now living in his home state of Kansas, working on his family’s 4,000-acre farm. He’s raising his two sons with his wife, Emily, in the rural community where he grew up.
2. What does Jordy Nelson do for a living now? Nelson spends his time farming, managing a cattle herd and working on the grain production operation that has been in his family for generations. He enjoys the challenges of farm life, which he finds as fulfilling as his football career.
3. Does Jordy Nelson still have ties to football? While Nelson is no longer involved in professional football, his legacy as one of the Green Bay Packers’ greatest receivers remains. He’s expected to be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in the future. For now, he’s focused on his family and farm.
4. How long did Jordy Nelson play in the NFL? Jordy Nelson played for 11 seasons in the NFL. He spent 10 of those seasons with the Green Bay Packers and his final season with the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 2019.
5. What are Jordy Nelson’s career highlights? Nelson’s NFL career was full of highlights, including his Super Bowl XLV performance, his Pro Bowl selection in 2014, and his recognition as the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2016. He ranks among the Packers’ all-time leaders in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.