Free-agent corner Steven Nelson is retiring after nine NFL seasons.
Nelson told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston that he’s walking away to spend more time with his pregnant wife, Monica, and family and pursue various business ventures.
“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 told Wilson. “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.
“Coming from a small town without a lot of resources, having to go to junior college, making it out of there to go to Oregon State, which was across the country from my family, going through a lot of trials and tribulations to get to where I am today and to be able to persevere and make it this far. I’m extremely proud of my legacy and my career.”
The 31-year-old Nelson reportedly had interest from several clubs but decided to end his career after nine seasons with the Chiefs, Steelers, Eagles, and the past two in Houston. Kansas City made Nelson a third-round pick in 2015. The corner compiled 13 interceptions, 78 passes defensed, 456 total tackles and one sack in his nine seasons. Nelson earned an 82-yard pick-six in the Texans’ wild-card win over the Browns in January, the first touchdown of his career.
Nelson didn’t reject the idea of returning if the right job opened up at some point, but for now, he intends to retire.
“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.”
