Former Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson retires after nine seasons

Former Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson is retiring from the NFL. Aaron Wilson from KPRC was first reported Sunday evening. Nelson played nine seasons and his last two were with the Texans. Wilson added that Nelson would focus on his family while embarking on new professional adventures.

Nelson became a staple of the Texans defense over the previous two seasons. He had 115 yards, 19 pass deflections and five interceptions in 32 games. His best moment came in the Texans’ 45-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in January. Nelson recorded the first of Houston’s two pick sixes on quarterback Joe Flacco.

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He also served as a veteran corner for several young Texans players, including third-year defensive back Derek Stingley Jr. He joined Houston as a free agent in March 2022.

Nelson began his career as a third-round pick (98th overall) in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After a four-year tenure with the Chiefs, Nelson played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Philadelphia Eagles for one season.

He had 456 tackles, 78 pass deflections, 13 interceptions and one sack during his nine-year career. Before announcing his retirement, Nelson received offers from several teams this offseason, including a re-joining with the Texans.

His best career season came in 2018 as a member of the Chiefs. He had 68 tackles and a career-best four interceptions.

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.