By: Chris Linskens (@Cree414 )
Ever since the news broke that Jordy Nelson was receiving a contract extension from the Green Bay Packers, two questions have been brought up the most: “Is Jordy worth the money? What does he have to do to prove it?” The answer is yes and almost nothing, but hear me out before throwing your arms in the air.
Jordy Nelson is 6’3”, taller than the average NFL wide receiver by four inches (according to ESPN). You can’t replace the physical stature, combined with the quickness and agility that is Jordy Nelson.
How about injuries? Scratch that off your list as a major concern as well. Nelson has only missed 5 out of 80 possible games he could have played in the past five seasons. Growing up on a farm will make you pretty tough I suppose.
Nelson has also snagged over 200 receptions for 3,300 yards and 30 touchdowns over just the past three seasons alone. Nelson is third on the Packers’ all-time rankings of touchdown receptions in a single season with 15. He trails only Sterling Sharpe (18) and Hall of Famer Don Hutson (17).
People have compared Nelson to his former teammate, Greg Jennings, who also put up some gaudy numbers within his first few seasons with the Packers. Unlike the current number one wide out, Jennings injured his hamstring a few times after signing his three-year, $26 million contract extension in 2009 with Green Bay. Jennings is a good receiver as well, but the comparison isn’t fair for a number of reasons.
Secondly, Jennings started for the Packers even as a rookie, Nelson did not and had to work his was into the starting lineup. Jennings filled a need as a speedy, slot receiver as a rookie. This is the reason he cracked the starting lineup using three wide-receiver sets, even with talented receivers Donald Driver and James Jones being available. Nelson does not typically line up in the slot and can be used as a feature receiver in multiple roles.
Thirdly, Jennings is about 25 pounds smaller and three to four inches shorter than Nelson. Nelson is able to catch balls and get to places that Jennings can’t, because of his size and does so without giving up athleticism.
What also needs to be brought up when comparing Nelson and Jennings is how they act off the field. Nelson’s name never comes up when rumors about inner turmoil come up and he never has spoken out against the Packers organization. The same can’t be said for Jennings, as he was always looking for the spotlight in some way.
All I’m going to say is that you don’t see Nelson doing every Old Spice or NFL ticket exchange commercial he can get his hands on. Jennings could have left Green Bay with a bit more class, without bashing teammates and team philosophies publically on the way out.
Again, Jennings didn’t deserve a second contract extension with Green Bay for many reasons. Nelson got his by doing things the right way and working hard. All he has to do to justify his new contract is to keep doing what he has been doing.
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It is still over 8 months away but please start considering joining a Relay For Life team at your school next year. For more information on how to join a team at Marquette please contact Kristen Krawczyk at kristen.krawczyk@marquette.edu
The Sports ReKap is happy to announce the additions of Kevin Clancy, Nate Craft, Kevin Saad, Michael Felish, Chris Linskens, Matt Barbato, and Brendan Garrity as full-time contributors to the show. If you want to be a part of the show this year email Nick at nicholas.kapetan@marquette.edu.
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