It’s the off-season and things are definitely quiet not only around the NFL but also at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. It’s this time of year when unique articles pop up.
In it’s fourth edition, ESPN put together their all-retirement team. The all-retirement team is composed of players at each position who announced their retirement at the end of the 2018 season. This is more of a tribute to the players who are leaving the game.
On this list are three former Packers who announced their retirement after this season. These three players have left the game in a better place than they found and made an impact on the Packers organization during their time with the team.
Jordy Nelson, WR
Nelson will sign a one-day contract this summer to retire as a member of the Green Bay Packers. He will surely be inducted into the Packers Hall-of-Fame. The back shoulder throws from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson were a staple of the team for a decade. Nelson was Rodgers security blanket, and in a pinch Rodgers could find Nelson open when he was under pressure. During his time in Green Bay, Nelson recorded at least 4 seasons of at least 1,200 yards. He was also a key member of their 2010 Super Bowl team.
T.J. Lang, OL
T.J. Lang was a mid-round draft pick by Ted Thompson, who ended up being a top flight guard throughout the NFL. He was a cornerstone of the Packers offensive line. He was also a key member of the Packers 2010 Super Bowl team. Lang formed one of the best guard duos in the league and Packers history with Josh Sitton.
Julius Peppers, DE
Peppers had a hall-of-fame career before he joined the Packers organization. In his three seasons with the team, he made an incredible impact. He recorded 113 tackles, 25 sacks and 45 quarterback hits, and provided leadership not only on the defensive side of the football but throughout the locker room. Peppers and Clay Matthews provided the Packers with a defensive tandem who could get to the quarterback and disrupt the offensive flow of the game.
All three players were important pieces to a Packers team that not only made the playoffs but also won division titles and advanced to the NFC Championship game. It is no surprise that all three made ESPN’s All-Retirement list.
Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag
