It’s not about the stats. His numerous top-five rankings in team history are impressive and all, but it’s about the moments.
There was the catch-and-run touchdown at the Metrodome in early 2009, when all the attention was on Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers, but it was a young, second-year receiver showing his first real flash of big-time playmaking ability.
Then there was the 80-yard touchdown the day after Christmas in 2010 on the opening drive of the Giants game, beginning the Packers’ historic run, which Nelson helped punctuate with a contested touchdown catch in the Super Bowl, followed by the jubilant, leaping hip-shoulder bump with Rodgers captured for all eternity on the cover of Sports Illustrated.