UPDATE: Former Oregon State Beavers star announces retirement from NFL
Steven Nelson has decided to retire from the NFL after nine seasons. The free-agent cornerback, known for his time with the Oregon State Beavers, shared with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 that he’s stepping away from the game. His decision comes after a standout season with the Houston Texans in 2023.
In a statement to Wilson, Nelson expressed that after careful consideration and discussions with his family, he believes it’s the right time to prioritize spending more time with them. With a newborn on the way, he wants to dedicate himself fully to his family and pursue various business opportunities beyond football. Reflecting on his career, Nelson expressed pride in his achievements in the sport.
During the 2023 season, Nelson matched his career-best performance with four interceptions and contributed significantly with 12 passes defensed, ranking second on the team in both categories. His impactful play was instrumental in helping the Texans secure a playoff spot, highlighted by an impressive 82-yard interception return for a touchdown in the wild card game against the Cleveland Browns.
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— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 13, 2024
Nelson began his NFL journey as a third-round selection (No. 98 overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2015 draft. After four seasons with the Chiefs, he embarked on a new chapter, signing a lucrative three-year contract worth $25 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, after two seasons, both Nelson and the Steelers agreed to part ways. He then joined the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal before finding a home with the Houston Texans, signing a two-year contract worth $10 million, where he spent the last two seasons of his career.
Throughout his nine-season career, Nelson showcased his skills with impressive stats: 13 interceptions, 78 passes defensed, 456 total tackles, and one sack.
At 31 years old, Nelson hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the league in the future. He emphasized that he will maintain his physical fitness and remain open to the right opportunity, acknowledging that if the timing aligns and he feels the passion for it, he may consider a return. However, for now, he believes it’s best to step back and cherish moments with his family.