Former Texans cornerback Steven Nelson to retire after nine seasons in NFL

As the prospect of another grueling training camp looms large, several NFL veterans are opting to hang up their cleats this summer. On Monday, former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson revealed that he is retiring after nine seasons in the league. The 31-year-old defender became a free agent in March as his two-year deal with the Houston Texans expired.

He reportedly had interest from several clubs to come in for a 10th season, but he’s choosing to spend time with his family, including his pregnant wife, and explore 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 NFL reporter Aaron Wilson this week. “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.”

Nelson retires ahead of Year 10

Nelson began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs drafted him with the No. 98 overall pick in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. He played out his rookie contract with Kansas City before signing a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for $25.5 million in 2019. He played two seasons for the Steelers before they released him, saving $8 million on the cap in 2021.

The Philadelphia Eagles picked him up next, inking Nelson to a one-year deal for $3.01 million. He had a good season in 2021, playing his way into a two-year contract with the Houston Texans for $9 million. Despite racking up 63 tackles in 2023, and tying a career-high in interceptions with four, the veteran is calling it quits. He’s still capable of playing at a high level, and he could return to the game at some point, but for now, his priorities are at home.

“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.”

Over nine seasons, Nelson tallied 13 interceptions, 456 total tackles, and one sack. He also had a pick-six, the first of his career, in 2023 for the Texans in the team’s Wild Card win over the Browns.