GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For the past decade, Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson has been a fan favorite on the football field, and that led to opportunities off the field.
With Nelson gone, groups are looking at ways to move forward without number “87.”
Since 2014, The Jordy Nelson Charity Softball Game has been a popular draw.
The event raised money off the field too. Last year, Nelson presented the faith-based organization Young Life, a check for $130,000.
Heather Faulkner, Young Life Green Bay Director. tells FOX 11…
“That’s not typical of the donations we get for Young Life, So that’s was a huge, huge thing for us. So we were able to make a legacy fund out of that money, so that we can continue to send kids to camp every year out of that money.”
Faulkner says Nelson worked with Young Life in Green Bay for the past six years. She says it is unclear if Nelson will attend this year’s game.
“The Timber Rattlers are figuring it out. But there will be an event on June 2nd. And announcements are going to follow after that.”
Nelson was also the pitchman for many products.
“It still gives me goosebumps, because it’s so real,” said David Sengkhammee, Bellin Health Marketing Director.
Included was the comeback campaign for Bellin Health.
Sengkhammee tells FOX 11 Nelson was more than a top Packers player.
“People that have high integrity. People that understand, hard work. People that can remain humble despite their success.
Bellin Health says no new Jordy ads are planned, but the current Nelson campaign will continue.
Meanwhile, Faulkner says there will always be a place at Young Life for the Nelsons.
“I talked to Jordy and Emily last night. They’re in good spirits, you know. They’re great people, so they have a great foundation, and we’re excited for whatever the future holds for them.”
Tickets for the June softball game went on sale four months ago.
More than 4,000 have already been sold.
