Travis Heying
Fresh off a memorable performance in the Super Bowl, former K-State receiver Jordy Nelson was recognized at the K-State basketball game on Monday.
Fresh off his big game in the Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, Jordy Nelson returned to Kansas State a hero this week.
The former Wildcats wide receiver, who started his career at K-State as a walk-on and lived the dream of every small-town kid on his way up, was honored during Monday's basketball game at Bramlage Coliseum.
Before tip-off, he humored a mob of reporters and talked about what his wild ride has been like.
What have the last few weeks been like for you?
"It's been crazy. Obviously, it was a dream come true to be able to play in, and win, the Super Bowl. It hasn't set in yet. I think once we get that ring, I think it will be sometime this summer, I look forward to getting it. Like I said, it's been a dream come true."
Was the Super Bowl everything you expected it to be?
"It was just so much that it's hard to think. Sitting at home watching it on TV for all those years made it seem like such a big deal. But playing in it, we made it feel like just another game. It wasn't that big of a deal. Now watching highlights, though, seeing all the things on TV and everything you realize what you were a part of. It's an honor to be a part of it, especially with an organization like the Packers. We put our stamp on history. We will always be remembered."
What does that mean to you?
"It's an honor to be a part of that organization and contribute to its history."
Was there a moment in Dallas when you stopped and thought this is amazing?
"At the end, when the confetti started dropping, that's when it really hit. To see Aaron (Rodgers) standing up there with the Lombardi trophy, it's something you wanted to see. I'm just happy I was able to experience it."
What has the reaction been like from people around here now that you're back?
"A lot of it has been from older people who have never watched the Super Bowl before, but said, 'We know someone who knows you, so we watched.' They enjoyed it. Maybe that's the reason why we set the record for most watched anything on TV."
That's got to be overwhelming for you, right? I mean, how many people can say their presence was what finally got someone to give in and watch the Super Bowl?
"It's an honor. I appreciated all the support I have had in this area. I'm coming to K-State, but the whole state of Kansas has supported me. Everyone back home at Riley County has supported me. I'm just glad I could do something to allow them to enjoy it."
Tell us what it was like to catch the first touchdown of the Super Bowl.
"I didn't know what to do. It was a play that's not normally designed to go to that guy. It was actually a screen play. It was out of the ordinary. I just kinda got up and stood there with my hands up in the air. I didn't know what to do or how to celebrate with my teammates. But I've got that football. It's not going anywhere. I'm keeping that forever."
What's changed with you since the Super Bowl?
"Nothing. Just a lot more media. Besides that, I'm the same kid. I'm back here in Kansas, as you can see, living out on a farm. I'm just looking forward to relaxing and having some fun."
How much do you enjoy playing for Green Bay?
"I love it there for more than one reason. The organization is second to none, the way they treat you. The facilities we have, I haven't experienced any others of course, but the guys who have come in say it’s the best there is. The town and the city is similar to where I grew up. It's as small as you're going to get with a NFL team, and similar to Kansas. It's a rural area, farm and dairy. It's perfect for me and my wife, and a good place to raise a family."
What do you think of all these K-State fans chanting your name in the pregame? Nice welcome back?
"I appreciate everything, and all their support. But it's still weird. I don't think it's anything that will ever set in."
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