Former NFL cornerback Steven Nelson has announced his retirement from the league after a nine-year career. Nelson spent the majority of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs before moving on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans. His decision to retire comes after discussions with his family and the anticipation of a new addition to his family. Nelson expressed his desire to devote more time to his family and pursue various business ventures off the field.
During his time with the Chiefs from 2015 to 2018, Nelson accumulated 182 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four interceptions. He then moved on to sign a three-year deal with the Steelers in 2019, where he played for two seasons before requesting to be released at the end of the 2020 season. Nelson signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in 2021, recording one interception and 50 tackles during his time with the team. He then joined the Texans in 2022, where he spent the last two seasons of his career, totaling four interceptions, 115 tackles, and one tackle for loss.
Despite being a free agent in the 2023 offseason and receiving interest from multiple teams, Nelson ultimately decided to step away from the game. He mentioned that he plans to stay in shape and remain ready in case the right opportunity presents itself in the future. Nelson expressed that he feels it is best for him to take a step back at this time and focus on enjoying his family. He reiterated his love for the game of football but emphasized the importance of prioritizing family and exploring other ventures outside of football.
Nelson’s retirement adds to a list of surprising exits from the NFL in the offseason. The decision to retire from a professional sports career can be a challenging one, but for Nelson, it seems to be a thoughtful and intentional choice based on personal priorities and aspirations. As he transitions into retirement, Nelson will bring his experiences from the NFL into his new chapter, while also leaving the door open for potential future opportunities in the world of football if the timing and circumstances align.
