Veteran CB Steven Nelson to retire after nine seasons

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.

“Having given it considerable thought and discussed with my family, I believe it’s time for me to retire and invest more time with my loved ones,” Nelson shared with Wilson. “We are anticipating the arrival of a new baby next month, and I want to commit all my time and energy to that and several off-field business ventures. I am incredibly proud of my achievements in the game of football.”

Having originated from a resource-limited small town, navigating through junior college, and making it to Oregon State, which was a long distance from my family, I have undergone numerous challenges to reach where I am today. I managed to overcome and progress this far, making me extremely proud of my career and the legacy I’ve built.

Nelson, 31, had attracted interest from various clubs but chose to retire after nine seasons playing for the Chiefs, Steelers, Eagles, and spending his last two years in Houston. The Kansas City club had picked Nelson in the third round in 2015. Over his nine-season career, the corner amassed 13 interceptions, defended 78 passes, made a total of 456 tackles, and achieved one sack. He accomplished an 82-yard pick-six during the Texans’ wild-card victory against the Browns in January, marking the first touchdown of his career.

Nelson hasn’t dismissed the possibility of coming back if an appropriate job becomes available in the future, but at present, he plans to retire.

“Nelson said, “I will always maintain my physical fitness and be prepared for any opportunity that comes my way. If the circumstances are right and my heart is in it, I will seize the opportunity. However, I currently believe it’s best for me to step back and spend time with my family.”