Steven Nelson is now a former NFL player after announcing his retirement from playing football at the age of 31. The ex-Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back announced his decision to end his career via a statement shared by KPRC-TV.
“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 said in an interview.
“We’re expecting a newborn this coming month and I wanted to devote all of my time and energy to that and various business ventures off the field. I’m extremely proud of what I was able to do in the game of football.”
Nelson last played for the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL season where he appeared in 17 games (16 starts) and collected four interceptions with 12 passes defended and 63 total tackles. He got a solid grade of 71.9 from Pro Football Focus for his body of work in the 2023 NFL campaign with Houston, but he'll no longer be able to sustain that form on the field now that he's decided to step away from the sport.
In what turned out to be his penultimate appearance in an NFL game, Nelson made a memorable play for the Texans in the 2023 playoffs where he picked off Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco and turned that interception into an 82-yard touchdown to extend Houston's lead to 17 points in the third quarter of that AFC wild card contest. Houston won that game to the tune of a 45-14 score to advance to the divisional round where Nelson and the Texans lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-10.
Nelson started his journey in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs when the team took him in the third round (98th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons in the pros wearing Chiefs uniform before signing a three-year deal with the Steelers in 2019. He was then released by the Steelers in 2021. In two years with Pittsburgh, Nelson played 30 games and started in all of them while recording three interceptions and 17 passes defended to go with 95 solo tackles. Nelson, who played college football for the Oregon State Beavers, inked a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles after parting ways with Pittsburgh.
Overall, Nelson gathered 13 interceptions, 78 passes defended, 458 combined tackles, two quarterback hits, and a sack through 130 games in the NFL, including 115 starts.
Despite announcing his retirement, it appears that Nelson remains open to the idea of making a comeback in the NFL, saying that he will be “ready” if the pieces fall into place for a return. He earned over $33.8 million off salaries during his entire tenure in the league.
“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 said. “As of now, I think it’s best for me to take a step back and just enjoy my family.”
Fans react to former Steelers, Texans defensive back's retirement
Nelson's retirement from football has resulted in a mixed bag of reactions from NFL fans. Many wished for him to enjoy his post-playing days, while others feel like he would have still been in the league if it weren't for his behavior. It can be recalled that Nelson had seemingly taken a subtle shot in the past with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and at Houston general manager Nick Caserio.
“Top 3 Steeler of all time!”
“Thank you for helping us last season!!! Even though there was offseason drama.. wish nothing but the best for his retirement”
“Steven Nelson's attitude cost him one more big payday if he really wanted it. The guy showed up and played hard last season. He was very good in quite a few games. But attacking the GM and Head Coach with questionable comments. Just sealed his career. No other team will sign him.”
“He would’ve been signed by now if he wasn’t such a headache”
“That's crazy, I honestly think he could've contributed to a team.”
“Hope he enjoys retirement”
“we will never forget 2019 Steven Nelson. LEGEND”
“Decent player but when you start badmouthing teammates, coaches and personnel, you reap what you sow”
“This one really surprised me than the Darren Waller. Very solid outside CB retiring early. I Thought he had few years still up left in the tank while playing pretty good ball still.”
“one of them guys that would somehow always end up on my team in franchise mode”
“Him and Darren Waller throwing retirement parties on the same day”
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