Former Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Jordy Nelson is still part of the NFL, long after he played his last game in the league. These days, the one-time Pro Bowl wideout is serving as a hearing officer, with the role of being the mediator between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Nelson, now 40 years old, recently worked on the suspension appeal of Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch, who was slapped with a one-game ban for his actions after last Monday’s game between the Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs. Branch had an altercation with Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster that nearly sparked an all-out brawl.
Branch’s appeal was ultimately denied, as Nelson upheld the initial decision to hand Branch the said suspension.
“Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Detroit defensive back Brian Branch,”sharedMichael Signora, the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications, via a post on X, formerly Twitter.
However, many fans can’t help themselves from adding some NFC North rivalry color into Nelson’s move to uphold the league’s decision.
Fans react to Packers legend’s role in Branch’s suspension
Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Nelson (87) dives for extra yardage during the second half of Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Not a few think that a player with such a strong connection to Green Bay, like Nelson, should have had a hand in deciding on the appeal of Branch, who plays for one of its fiercest rivals, the Lions.
“Travesty of Justice,”saida fan on X.
Another onesaid: “yeah that’s fair, let the former packers player decide the fate of a lions player”
From acommenter: “Okay so I made waves as a Lion fan fully supporting the suspension and even saying it wasn’t severe enough, but having the appeal heard by a packer legend in a tight division race is a bad look.”
“Ah, yep, I’m sure Packers legend Jordy Nelson was the most unbiased party 😂,” a social media userposted.
Via adifferent commenter: “Jordy Nelson judging Brian Branch? That’s like your old rival becoming your referee.”
Saidanother: “Jordy Nelson’s gone from catching passes to denying appeals. Mad how one of Rodgers’ old targets is now deciding Branch’s fate. Got more common sense than most refs mind you!”
In any case, Branch will serve his suspension in Week 7’s game between the Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this coming Monday.
Nelson, right, hugs fellow receiver James Jones after Green Bay defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011.
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