Tom Nelson (American football player)

Tom Nelson
No. 43, 49
Position:Safety
Personal information
Born: (1986-12-04) December 4, 1986 (age 38)
Hoffman Estates, Illinois, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:200 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school:John Hersey (Arlington Heights, Illinois)
College:Illinois State
Undrafted:2009
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • GFC All-Newcomer Team (2005)
  • GFC Freshman of the Year (2005)
  • 3× Second-team All-GFC (2006–2008)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:36
Pass deflections:2
Interceptions:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Tom Nelson (born December 4, 1986) is a former American football safety. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens. He played college football at Illinois State.

Early life

Nelson grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois and attended John Hersey High School, Thomas Middle School, and Ivy Hill Elementary School in Arlington Heights, IL. Nelson was a Chicago Bears fan during his youth.[1]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight
5 ft 11+1⁄8 in
(1.81 m) 		196 lb
(89 kg)
Values from Pro Day[2]

Cincinnati Bengals

After going undrafted in the 2009 NFL draft, Nelson was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2009. His attempt to make the Bengals' roster was chronicled on the HBO series Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.[3] In his rookie season he had 25 tackles and an interception. He was waived on August 27, 2011.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Nelson to a two-year contract on December 5, 2011, replacing Colt Anderson who had torn his ACL. He was released by the team on August 25, 2012.[4]

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears signed Nelson to a one-year contract on January 29, 2013.[5] On August 30, Nelson was among the final roster cuts.[6]

Carolina Panthers

On July 27, 2014, Nelson was signed by the Carolina Panthers.[7] On August 31, he was among the final roster cuts.

Baltimore Ravens

On July 29, 2015, Nelson was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. On an unknown date in August 2015 Nelson was signed to a 1-year contract as a Wide Receiver.[8] On September 4, 2015, he was waived by the Ravens.[9]

Personal life

Nelson now owns a football camp and provides training for people of all ages.

References

  1. ^ Mayer, Larry (February 8, 2013). "Nelson thrilled to join hometown Bears". Chicago Bears. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  2. ^ "2009 NFL Draft Scout Tom Nelson College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  3. ^ Hard Knocks IV Archived March 8, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. bengals.com. September 3, 2009
  4. ^ McLane, Jeff (August 25, 2012). "Eagles release ten players". Philly.com. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  5. ^ Mayer, Larry (January 29, 2013). "Marc Trestman adds Tim Tibesar as linebackers coach". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  6. ^ Mayer, Larry (August 30, 2013). "Bears cut 17 players, still have five to go". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on April 29, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
  7. ^ Wilkening, Mike (July 27, 2014). "Panthers sign safety Tom Nelson". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
  8. ^ "Tom Nelson Fantasy - FantasySP".
  9. ^ Zrebiec, Jeff; Meoli, Jon (September 4, 2015). "Daniel Brown highlights early roster cuts". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 13, 2015.