346. Steve Nelson

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Playing his entire professional career with the New England Patriots, the team that drafted him in the second round of 1974.

Nelson was a starter at Left Inside Linebacker as a rookie, and he held that role until he retired after the 1987 season. Nelson patrolled the interior beautifully for the Pats, as one of the best (though widely not well known outside of New England) run-stuffing linebackers of the late 70s and 80s and was chosen for three Pro Bowls. He was also a large part of New England’s run to their first Super Bowl.

Nelson entered the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Augsburg, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1993
Position: Linebacker
Games Played: 174
Notable Statistics:
171 Games Started
17 Interceptions
226 Interception Return Yards
1 Interception Return Touchdown
18 Forced Fumbles*
16 Fumble Recoveries
0 Fumble Recovery Yards
19.5 Quarterback Sacks
93 Approximate Value

7 Playoff Games
7 Playoff Games Started
1 Forced Fumble*
1 Fumble Recovery
0 Fumble Recovery Yards

*Forced Fumbles were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1977 to 1998
Played For: New England Patriots
College: North Dakota State
Drafted: 2nd Round, 34th Overall in 1974
Major Accolades and Awards:
Super Bowl Rings (None)
Pro Bowl Selection (3) (1980, 1984 & 1985)
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
5^th in 1980

Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recoveries (1) (1978)
Notable All Time Rankings: None
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Steve Nelson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 66.7%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 33.3%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 0%

Last modified on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 05:33

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