Education
Nelson attended Fairmont Public School where he received All-State honors in eight-man football.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Derrie Nelson
Edit ProfileCareer
He also lettered in baseball. He walked on at the University of Nebraska. He became a starter at defensive end as a sophomore, registering 42 tackles (20 solo), 3 fumble recoveries, one interception and one blocked a punt.
The next year he recorded 58 tackles (34 solo), 2 fumble recoveries and 2 passes defensed.
As a senior, he was the captain of a defense that gave up an average of only 9.1 points per game. He finished with 57 tackles (42 solo), 2 fumble recoveries and one pass defensed.
In 1998, he was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. Dallas Cowboys
Nelson was selected in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, with the intention of playing him at linebacker.
He was waived on August 3.
San Diego Chargers
In 1983, he signed as a free agent with the San Diego Chargers after being out of football for two years. He became a special teams standout and was voted Chargers Special Teams player of the year by his teammates in 1983 and 1985. On August 20, 1984, he was placed on the injured reserve list.
He was activated on November 9 and was able to play in six games.
Nelson was released on August 29, 1987.
