Kansas State football: 15 best wide receivers in Wildcats history

Greatest wide receivers in Kansas State football history: 4. Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson not only had a phenomenal career in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and briefly with the Oakland Raiders, but he is a legend in his hometown of Manhattan, Kansas. Nelson played quarterback in high school for nearby by Riley County. He was a three-sport star in high school (football, basketball and track) before coming to K-State in 2003.

Nelson initially joined K-State as a walk-on in 2003, having been part of the Big 12 Championship team. He originally played defensive back for Bill Snyder but switched to wide receiver in 2004. Thus, he was essentially redshirted that year, as he did not record any meaningful stats during his second year on campus.

Once 2005 came around, that is when Nelson’s legend began to come into form. He had 45 catches for 669 yards and eight touchdown receptions. Though he played well, K-State went just 5-6 that fall and Snyder would retire for the first time after an initial 17-year run in Manhattan.

Now playing under Ron Prince, Nelson would have 39 catches for 547 yards and only one touchdown receptions. While the Wildcats would go 7-6 and play in their first bowl game since winning the Big 12 in 2003, Nelson largely fought his way through injuries in 2006. However, the best was yet to come for him in 2007, his final season playing at K-State.

While Kevin Lockett did put up better career numbers than Nelson, the reason he lands a spot ahead of him on this all-time list is pretty simple really: Nelson’s senior season at K-State was otherworldly. He had 122 receptions for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nelson also threw for two touchdown passes, as he made the All-Big 12 First Team and was a consensus All-American in 2007.

After five years at K-State, Nelson amassed 206 catches for 2,822 yards and 20 receiving touchdowns. He ranks third, third and fourth all time in those three Kansas State receiving categories. Nelson played 11 years in the NFL, 10 with the Packers. He won a Super Bowl in Green Bay, made a Pro Bowl roster and All-Pro team in 2014, led the league in touchdown receptions in 2016, as well as be named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Though not a Pro Football Hall of Famer, one has to believe he’ll eventually get the nod and be a College Football Hall of Famer.