In his nine years with the Green Bay Packers, Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson cemented himself as a fan favorite and an all-time great, providing fans with highlight back-shoulder catches, unforgettable touchdowns and more than a few Lambeau leaps to prove it. Inducted into the Packers’ Hall of Fame in 2023, throughout the team’s 105-year history, Nelson is third all-time in receiving touchdowns, sixth all-time in receiving yards and fourth all-time in receptions.
With the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay less than a month away and Milwaukee Tailgate Week on the horizon, we had a chance to catch up with the Packer great to talk memorable Lambeau moments, Milwaukee Tailgate Week and the importance of cornhole (bags) at every tailgate.
As a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame and former Super Bowl Champion, what does it mean for you and for the city of Green Bay to host the NFL Draft for the first time ever this year?
Jordy Nelson: The NFL Draft coming to Wisconsin is going to be really special. Spending nine years of my career with the Packers, including the Super Bowl season in 2010-11, I have just so many memories at Lambeau Field, the incredible Packer fans and teammates, including a few that will be joining me for “Inside the Huddle” live. I can’t wait for the entire world to see the magic of Green Bay and Wisconsin that I experienced during my time there.
Speaking of Green Bay, you had so many special moments at Lambeau Field. Is there any one play that stands out to you?
JN: Wow, there are just too many to choose from, really. After 130+ games with the Packers, one thing that always inspired me, and my favorite memory of playing at Lambeau, is simply the incredible fans who always supported me. The Packers’ fan base is massive, and everywhere we went—no matter what city we played in—I was always amazed by how many fans I saw in the stands. Alongside the support from the fans, knowing my family was in the stadium cheering me on was something that was really special to me, too!
Of course, the state of Wisconsin has a few prospects in this year’s draft. If you could give one piece of advice to them as they begin their journey, what would it be?
JN: For me, I would tell them to take a moment to just enjoy the moment. It took a lot of hard work for you to get here, so soak it all in and give yourself a chance to celebrate this accomplishment. Of course, this is just the beginning. After you’ve had a chance to take it in, I’d tell them to dig in and prove yourself in training camp. It doesn’t matter where you get drafted; just show your skills and your effort once you get there.
Looking forward to Milwaukee Tailgate Week. Can you give us a little preview of what fans can expect from the experience? Do you have any surprises up your sleeve?
JN: We all know this draft is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience everything that the NFL Draft means and all of the events that come along with it. Of course, while the action takes place up in Green Bay, Sports Milwaukee and Team Lammi have teamed up with a slate of events to give fans staying in Milwaukee and looking to experience the excitement with Milwaukee Tailgate Week, and I’ll be a part of that with the tailgate on Saturday. Fans can expect a family-friendly environment and a chance to be a part of a live taping of “Inside the Huddle” with my former Super Bowl XLV teammates Mason Crosby and Nick Collins. It’ll be a great way to wrap up the draft. As for surprises, you never know. You’ll have to show up to find out!
Spending so much of your career just a short trip away in Green Bay, have you spent much time in Milwaukee? What are some of your favorite spots to visit while you’re in town?
JN: I really enjoy Milwaukee when I am able to get there. When I’m in town, there are some spots that I just have to stop at. If I’m planning a day in Milwaukee, Carnevor is a must-stop for great steaks. Then, I’d head to a Bucks game; they’re always a good time. If my family’s with me, we like to explore some of the fun things to do around Lake Michigan. There’s so much going on along the lakefront during the summer, from Bradford Beach and Lakeshore State Park to the Henry Maier Festival Park grounds. In recent years, I’ve really enjoyed discovering the Brewers Hill neighborhood when I visit my agent, Brian Lammi.
Milwaukee and Wisconsin are known throughout the league and across the country for their unique tailgating culture. Have you gotten a chance to tailgate since retiring?
JN: One of the things I was most excited to do after retiring was to actually go out and tailgate with fans! Tailgating is such a central part of Wisconsin’s sports culture, and it’s something I’ve really enjoyed taking part in.
What is Jordy Nelson bringing to the tailgate, and why?
JN: We may bring a few adult beverages for the tailgate and, of course, some really good food. The essential parts of a quality tailgate. Also, is it just me, or does any great tailgate have to have cornhole for a little competition and some fun? I think I’d bring cornhole to add some competitive fun to the tailgate.
Thank you, and see you soon!
Jordy
Join Jordy and a slate of Packers’ legends Mason Crosby and Nick Collins at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on April 26 for Jordy Nelson’s Milwaukee Tailgate, featuring Super Bowl XLV champions, a kids mini combine, mascot appearances and so much more. Tickets start at just $5 when you use the code VISIT at checkout.
