The NFL has seen several unexpected retirement announcements this offseason, and now another one has surfaced. Steven Nelson, former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback, has announced his retirement from the NFL.
NFL insider Ari Meirov announced the news on his X page, writing, “Veteran CB Steven Nelson is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, he informed @KPRC2. The former third-round pick spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City, then two in Pittsburgh, one in Philadelphia, and the last two in Houston.
Nelson explained his retirement to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston: “Retirement, after thinking it over and having some talks with my family, I think it’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time with my family,” Nelson stated to Wilson. “We’re expecting a baby this month, so I wanted to focus all of my time and efforts to that as well as several off-field business initiatives. I’m incredibly proud of what I accomplished in the game of football.”
Nelson played the most of his career for the Chiefs after being selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Nelson had 182 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four interceptions while with the Chiefs from 2015 to 2018.
In 2019, Nelson signed a three-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played for Pittsburgh in 2019 and 2020, totaling 109 tackles, two tackles for loss, and three interceptions. Nelson asked that his contract be terminated at the end of the 2020 season, which the Steelers granted.
Nelson would sign a one-year contract with the Eagles in 2021. During his one year in Philadelphia, he recorded one interception and 50 tackles.
The Houston Texans and Nelson reached an agreement in 2022. In his previous two seasons with the Texans, he had four interceptions, 115 tackles, and one tackle for loss. Nelson entered the 2023 offseason as a free agent, and numerous organizations reportedly expressed interest in him, but he chose to decline.
He did indicate that he intends to keep in shape in case the perfect opportunity arises. “I always will keep my body in shape and will always be ready if the right opportunity comes or I feel like the timing is right and my heart is into, I’ll do it,” Nelson stated. “As of now, I think it’s best for me to take a step back and just enjoy my family,” Nelson stated.
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