Takeaways from the First Day of Packers Training Camp

Takeaways from the First Day of Packers Training Camp by Dan Dahlke

Jordy Nelson‘s payday arrived – $10 million per-year – yes, that’s the number 10 with six zeroes after it; that equates to a happy day in the Nelson household and joy in Packers News.

The 6-3, 215-pound Kansas State grad has risen through the ranks with the Green Bay Packers by making eye-popping sideline grabs, by outrunning cornerbacks and safeties and by standing out as a blocker and teammate.

He has earned his payday by playing like a champion and being a champion.

Nelson: ‘I don’t like the word ‘worth’ because to be honest with you, I don’t think any of us are worth this money’ http://t.co/nLZfoi56mO — Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) July 26, 2014



His quiet, “oh, shucks” demeanor is charming, but his skills on the football field have been elite.

His quiet, “oh, shucks” demeanor is charming, but his skills on the football field have been elite.

In his six years and 89 games as a Packer, Nelson has amassed 4,590 yards from scrimmage, 36 total touchdowns.

And he’s only gotten better.

He’s had some injuries – he missed four games in 2012 and three in 2009. However, he’s also played through dings and nicks. Last year’s numbers stand out not only because he had the most receptions (85) and yardage (1,314) of his career, but because he did it while playing with four separate quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers, Seneca Wallace, Scott Tolzien, Matt Flynn).

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

In his first two seasons, he caught 55 passes for 686 yards and four touchdowns.

Then came the 2010 season, the 582 yards he collected and the Super Bowl performance that he put in. He easily could have been Super Bowl MVP had he not dropped a couple of passes that could have been huge plays.

But it’s the unselfish, good teammate, all-around good guy feel that one gets from Jordy Nelson that not only makes him a fan-favorite, but it’s his quiet determination and success on the field that equates him with ‘The Packer Way.”

What is the Packer Way?

Mike McCarthy lives and breathes it. We talked about it a year or so ago.

It’s integrity; it’s acting like a champion when you are; it’s striving to be a champion when you’re not. That goal is one of the reasons why the team has won 13 League Championships and is consistently in the hunt for another.

In years past the Packers have gotten away from the Packer Way – something that can be traced directly back to Curly Lambeau and the foundation of the franchise. Remember the 1970s and 1980s? Compare that to the past 20-plus years.

Ted Thompson described Jordy this way today:

“Jordy’s hard work and dedication has made him a good player, teammate and a core member of this team. We are pleased to come to an agreement that will extend his Packers career.”

Yes, Jordy Nelson is a core member of one of the most successful franchises in all of sports. His signing today is a continuation of that commitment to their core values – ‘The Packer Way.”

Here are Jordy Nelson’s career statistics: