The New England Patriots of the 1970’s and 1980’s featured a lot of very talented an well-known players. John Hannah, Andre Tippet, Stanley Morgan, and others lead the franchise to multiple playoff births and a spot in the team’s first Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX. Hall of Famer Andre Tippet wasn’t the only All-Pro linebacker to be on the Patriots dangerous front seven. Tippet’s partner in crime alongside him is legendary and loved figure in New England Steve Nelson.
During the entire 2018 off-season, the New England Patriots office at Last Word on Pro Football will chronicle a different Patriots legend each week. Last week the outstanding Ty Law and legendary broadcaster Gil Santos were profiled. This week, we take a look back at the career of a man who represented Boston well, Steve Nelson.
Steve Nelson: New England Patriots of the Past
A Tough Man for a Tough City
Steve Nelson is best remembered for his grit and work ethic that he brought to the Patriots. From Minnesota, Nelson attended North Dakota State and was a two-time All-American for the Bison. Nelson was selected in the second-round, 34th overall in the 1974 NFL Draft by the Patriots.
The Nucleus of the Defense
Nelson was the nucleus of the Patriots defense during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Nelson dominated and led the front seven of the Patriots. He helped lead the team to five playoff appearances including a trip to Super Bowl XX. Nelson recorded 100 tackles in nine seasons his 14 seasons. He led the team in tackles in eight seasons of those seasons during his career.
Nelson’s best season came in 1988. The Patriots were a few years removed from making their first Super Bowl. In 1988 the team went 9-7 and missed the post-season. Nelson’s season was the brightest spot from the 1988 Patriots. He recorded an official team record of 207 tackles. Due to his performances, Nelson made the Pro Bowl three times in 1980, 1984, and 1985. His 1982 season put him on the All-Pro team.
The Memorable 1985 Season
The 1985 season for the New England Patriots is one of the best in franchise history. The Patriots went 11-5 in the regular season. Nelson led the team to victory over the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship Game. As a result, the Patriots earned a trip to Super Bowl XX. The Patriots lost to the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears in New Orleans. 1985 featured a lot of great individual seasons for Patriots players, including Steve Nelson. Due to another 100 plus tackle season, he was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1985. As a result of his leadership and performance, Nelson brought one of the best seasons to New England.
Retirement and Post New England Career
Steve Nelson retired in 1987. Nelson finished with 1,776 tackles, 8.0 sacks, and 17 interceptions. Nelson’s 17 interceptions are extremely impressive due to the fact that team did not utilize the passing game as much in the 1980’s. As a result of his lengthy career, Nelson was elected to the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993. Nelson led the football program at Curry College from 1998 until 2005. He is a father of five daughters, and Nelson currently resides in Middleboro, Massachusetts with his wife.
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