Tom Nelson (American football)

Tom Nelson (born December 4, 1986) is an American football safety for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2009. In 2011, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Illinois State.

Early years
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.

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. 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.

Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears signed Nelson to a one-year contract on January 29, 2013.