Nine-year veteran cornerback Steven Nelson has announced his retirement. Nelson, a former third-round pick, spent the 2023 season with the Houston Texans but has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson @CornerSuitePod a #Texans team captain who intercepted a career-high five passes last season, tells @KPRC2 he is retiring from #NFL 'I'm extremely proud of my legacy and my career.' https://t.co/e3BaFGz94d
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 9, 2024
Steven Nelson Announces Retirement
Despite playing in his age-30 season, cornerback Steven Nelson had yet another strong season during the final year of his contract. Starting in 16 games, the savvy veteran finished the season with four interceptions, 63 tackles, and 12 passes defended. The Texans had a surprisingly strong year, making it to the AFC Divisional Round thanks to breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Steven Nelson entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Oregon State product took a while to get his career going. Nelson only played in 12 games as a rookie, never making a single start while recording eight tackles.
Fortunately, Nelson used his rookie season to get used to NFL life and earned a starting job in 2016. Starting in 15 games, the cornerback finished the season with 16 passes defended, 65 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and one quarterback hit.
Steven Nelson finally recorded his first interception in the final year of his rookie contract. The cornerback started all 16 games of Patrick Mahomes’ first season under center, hauling in four interceptions while recording 15 passes defended, 68 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss.
Following that season, Steven Nelson signed a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In total, the cornerback spent two seasons in Pittsburgh, starting in 30 games while recording three interceptions, 17 passes defended, 95 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss.
Before joining the Texans, Nelson enjoyed a one-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his lone year in the City of Brotherly Love, the former third-round pick recorded one interception, seven passes defended, and 50 tackles.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
