Former Chiefs Cornerback Steven Nelson Announces Surprising Retirement

The NFL has seen some surprising retirement announcements in the offseason, and now another one has dropped. Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson has announced his retirement from the NFL.

Read more: Former Pro-Bowl Tight End Surprisingly Retiring From Football

See more

Veteran CB Steven Nelson is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, he told @KPRC2. The former third-round pick spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City, followed by two in Pittsburgh, one in Philadelphia, and his final two in Houston. pic.twitter.com/NDahLodtyY

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 9, 2024

NFL insider Ari Meirov shared the news on his X page, which states, “Veteran CB Steven Nelson is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, he told@KPRC2. The former third-round pick spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City, followed by two in Pittsburgh, one in Philadelphia, and his final two in Houston.”

Nelson revealed the details of his retirement to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston: “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.”

Nelson spent the majority of his career with the Chiefs, after being drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Nelson spent the 2015-18 seasons with the Chiefs compiling 182 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and four interceptions.

In 2019, Nelson signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons in Pittsburgh, logging 109 tackles, two tackles for loss, and three interceptions. Nelson asked for his contract to be terminated at the end of the 2020 season, which the Steelers granted.

Nelson would sign a one-year deal with the Eagles in 2021. During his only year in Philadelphia, he would compile one interception and 50 tackles.

The Houston Texans and Nelson agreed to a deal in 2022. In his past two seasons with the Texans, he amassed four interceptions, 115 tackles, and one tackle for loss. Nelson entered the 2023 offseason as a free agent and apparently had interest from multiple teams, but instead has chosen to step away.

He did state that he plans to stay in shape in case the right opportunity comes along. “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,” Nelson added.