Cornerback Steven Nelson Retires At Age 31
Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Nelson, a not-that-old friend of the Pittsburgh Steelers announced his retirement from the NFL last week. Nelson was a cornerback who played in 130 games, including two seasons where he played (and started) 30 games with Pittsburgh.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Nelson out of Oregon State in the third round of the 2015 Draft. After limited action in his first season, he emerged as a starter in his sophomore year, starting 15 games and defending a career-high 16 passes for the 12-4 Chiefs.
The Steelers signed Nelson as a free agent in 2019, coming off what was likely his finest season as a pro. His 2018 saw Nelson snag four interceptions and deflect another 15 passes for yet another AFC West-winning Chiefs. Nelson’s contract with Pittsburgh came in at three years and $25.5 million.
Over his two seasons in Pittsburgh, Nelson had a productive tenure. He caught just three interceptions, but broke up 17 passes and registered 109 tackles (95 solo), including two for loss. He was a part of a whole defensive unit that dominated in 2019 and 2020, finishing in the NFL’s top-5 in both yards allowed and points per game in each season.
After 2020, the Steelers granted Nelson a release from his contract, then jumping across the state to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he started 16 games. He finished his career playing with the Houston Texans, starting 31 of 32 games, and even tying his career-high with four interceptions last season.
Nelson may never have won a Super Bowl or made a Pro Bowl, but still had a successful career. 130 games is absolutely nothing to sneeze at, and Nelson was a near-constant on winning teams. His squads made the playoffs in seven of his nine seasons, including at least once with every team he played for, and had a 78-50-1 record when he played.
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