An NFL Superstar Shares His Passion for the Farm
By Michael Dales, Farms.com
Jordy Nelson works 12 hour days on his family farm in Riley, Kansas, every off season. The Green Bay Packers gave this speedy wide receiver a four year, $39 million contract in 2014 but he won’t let that stop him from doing what he loves.
Farming.
"You learn how to work on a farm," Nelson said "Training camp is all day. Well, I just came off the farm, which is from 7 or 8 in the morning until 7 or 8 at night. And honestly, farming is a lot more work.
Nelson works on the farm driving the combine during wheat harvest or rounding up the 1,000-cow herd near the town whose population is 992.
"Working cattle is my favorite farm duty," Nelson told ESPN. “I probably identify more as a farmer."
The fans of the Green Bay Packers know him as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
"The farm is really all I know."
Jordy Nelson has quickly become a modest advocate for farmers and agriculture. The consumer media has picked up on the seemingly contradictory story of a wealthy NFL superstar still working long hours and helping on the family farm.
Nelson was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft out of Kansas State University. Over his career with the Green Bay Packers he has caught 49 touchdowns, gained over 6,000 yards and was a Pro Bowler in 2014.
Here is an interview with Jordy Nelson.
Let us know below if you are a Jordy Nelson fan, a young farmer doing well in the NFL. Share you thoughts below.