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{{short description|American football safety}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
 
{{Infobox NFL player
  
{{Infobox NFL player
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|name = Reggie Nelson
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|name = Reggie Nelson
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|image = ReggieNelson.jpg
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|image = ReggieNelson.jpg
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|image_size =
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|image_size = 250
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|alt =
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|alt =
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|caption =
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|caption = Nelson with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013
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|current_team = Free Agent
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|currentteam = Cincinnati Bengals
  
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|number = 20
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|number =
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|position = [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|Free safety]]
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|position = [[Safety (gridiron football position)|Free safety]]
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|9|21|mf=y}}
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|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|9|21|mf=y}}
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|birth_place = [[Melbourne, Florida]]
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|birth_place = [[Melbourne, Florida]]
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|death_date =
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|death_date =
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|death_place =
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|death_place =
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|heightft = 5
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|height_ft = 5
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|heightin = 11
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|height_in = 11
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|weight = 210
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|weight_lbs = 210
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| highschool = [[Palm Bay High School|Melbourne (FL) Palm Bay]]
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|high_school = [[Palm Bay Magnet High School|Palm Bay]] ([[Melbourne, Florida]])
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|college = [[Florida Gators football|Florida]]
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|college = [[Florida Gators football|Florida]]
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|draftyear = 2007
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|draftyear = 2007
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|draftround = 1
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|draftround = 1
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|draftpick = 21
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|draftpick = 21
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|debutyear = 2007
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|pastteams =
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|debutteam = Jacksonville Jaguars
  
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|finalteam =
  
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|finalyear =
  
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|pastteams =
 
 
* [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] ({{NFL Year|2007}}–{{NFL Year|2009}})
  
* [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] ({{NFL Year|2007}}–{{NFL Year|2009}})
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* [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ({{NFL Year|2010}}–present)
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* [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ({{NFL Year|2010}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
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* [[Oakland Raiders]] ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})
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|status = Active
  
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|highlights =
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|status =
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|highlights =
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;NFL
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* 2× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]], [[2017 Pro Bowl|2016]])
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* Second-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2015 All-Pro Team|2015]])
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* [[List of National Football League season interception leaders|NFL interceptions co-leader]] (2015)
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* [[PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2007|2007]])
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;College
 
* First-team All-[[Southeastern Conference|SEC]] (2006)
  
* First-team All-[[Southeastern Conference|SEC]] (2006)
 
* Consensus [[All-American]] ([[2006 College Football All-America Team|2006]])
  
* Consensus [[All-American]] ([[2006 College Football All-America Team|2006]])
 
* [[Jack Tatum Trophy]] (2006)
  
* [[Jack Tatum Trophy]] (2006)
 
* [[SEC Championship Game|SEC Championship]] ([[2006 SEC Championship Game|2006]])
  
* [[SEC Championship Game|SEC Championship]] ([[2006 SEC Championship Game|2006]])
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* [[BCS National Championship Game|BCS National Championship]] ([[2006 BCS National Championship Game|2006]])
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* [[BCS National Championship Game|BCS National Championship]] ([[2007 BCS National Championship Game|2007]])
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|statweek =
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|statleague = NFL
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|statseason = 2013
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|statweek =
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|statseason = 2018
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|statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Tackles]]
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|statlabel1 = [[Tackle (gridiron football position)|Total tackles]]
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|statvalue1 = 476
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|statvalue1 = 830
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|statlabel2 = [[Interception]]s
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|statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sacks|Sacks]]
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|statvalue2 = 18
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|statvalue2 = 6.5
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|statlabel3 = INT return yards
  
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|statlabel5 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
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|statvalue3 = 264
  
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|statvalue5 = 10
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|statlabel4 = [[Touchdown]]s
  
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|statlabel3 = [[Pass deflections]]
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|statvalue4 = 1
  
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|statvalue3 = 100
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|statlabel5 = [[Quarterback sack]]s
  
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|statlabel4 = [[Interceptions]]
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|statvalue5 = 5.0
  
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|nfl = NEL617002
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|statvalue4 = 38
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|statlabel6 = [[Touchdown|Defensive Touchdowns]]
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|pfr = NelsRe99
  
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|dbf = NelsoReg02
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|statvalue6 = 1
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|nfl = NEL617002
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|pfr = NelsRe99
 
}}
  
}}
   
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'''Reggie Lee Nelson''' (born September 21, 1983) is an American professional [[American football|football]] player who is a [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|safety]] for the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Nelson played [[college football]] for the [[University of Florida]], where he was a member of a national championship team and earned [[All-American]] honors. A first-round pick in the [[2007 NFL Draft]], he has played professionally for the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] and Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL.
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'''Reggie Lee Nelson''' (born September 21, 1983) is an [[American football]] [[Safety (gridiron football position)|safety]] who is a free agent. He played [[college football]] for the [[Florida Gators football|University of Florida]], where he was a member of a national championship team and earned consensus [[All-American]] honors. He was drafted by the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] in the first round of the [[2007 NFL Draft]] and has also played for the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] and [[Oakland Raiders]].
   
 
== Early years ==
  
== Early years ==
  ⚫
Nelson was born in [[Melbourne, Florida]] in 1983.<ref name=pfrprofile>Pro-Football-Reference.com, Players, [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NelsRe99.htm Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> He attended [[Palm Bay Magnet High School|Palm Bay High School]] in Melbourne,<ref name=dbfprofile>databaseFootball.com, Players, [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NelsRe99.htm Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> and was a standout [[high school football]] player for the Palm Bay Pirates. He was teammates with [[Joe Cohen]] and [[Xavier Carter]]. Nelson was a two-time first-team All-State honoree, and helped lead Palm Bay to win Florida Class 4A state championship as a safety and [[return specialist]] in 2002.<ref>GatorZone.com, Football History, 2006 Roster, [http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2005&sub=team&bio=nelson_r.html Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> As a senior, Nelson averaged forty-five yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kickoff return, totaling a state record 1,531 return yards.<ref name=fhsaa>"[http://www.fhsaa.org/news/2007/1212 FHSAA announces 33-member All-Century football team]," Florida High School Athletic Association (December 12, 2007). Retrieved May 26, 2011.</ref> In 2007, four years after he graduated from high school, the [[Florida High School Athletic Association]] (FHSAA) named Nelson to its "[[FHSAA's All-Century Team|All-Century Team]]," recognizing him as one of the thirty-three greatest Florida high school football players of the last 100 years.<ref name=fhsaa/> He was taught how to play football by Rob Robbins.
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Nelson was born in [[Melbourne, Florida]] in 1983.<ref name=pfrprofile>Pro-Football-Reference.com, Players, [http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NelsRe99.htm Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> He attended [[Palm Bay High School]] in Melbourne,<ref name=dbfprofile>databaseFootball.com, Players, [http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NelsRe99.htm Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> and was a standout [[high school football]] player for the Palm Bay Pirates. He was teammates with [[Joe Cohen]] and [[Xavier Carter]]. Nelson was a two-time first-team All-State honoree, and helped lead Palm Bay to win Florida Class 4A state championship as a safety and [[return specialist]] in 2002.<ref>GatorZone.com, Football History, 2006 Roster, [http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2005&sub=team&bio=nelson_r.html Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> As a senior, Nelson averaged forty-five yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kickoff return, totaling a state record 1,531 return yards. <ref name=fhsaa>"[http://www.fhsaa.org/news/2007/1212 FHSAA announces 33-member All-Century football team]," Florida High School Athletic Association (December 12, 2007). Retrieved May 26, 2011.</ref> In 2007, four years after he graduated from high school, the [[Florida High School Athletic Association]] (FHSAA) named Nelson to its "[[FHSAA's All-Century Team|All-Century Team]]," recognizing him as one of the thirty-three greatest Florida high school football players of the last 100 years.<ref name=fhsaa/> He was taught football by Roy Robbins.
  
   
 
== College career ==
  
== College career ==
  ⚫
After graduating from Palm Bay High School in 2003, Nelson and Pirates teammate [[Joe Cohen]] chose to attend the [[University of Florida]] over rival [[Florida State University]]. He attended [[Coffeyville Community College]] in [[Coffeyville, Kansas]] first, red-shirting his freshman year, and then earned his associate degree and transferred to Florida as a sophomore.
   
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Nelson accepted an athletic scholarship to play for coach [[Urban Meyer]]'s [[Florida Gators football]] team in [[2005 Florida Gators football team|2005]] and [[2006 Florida Gators football team|2006]].<ref name=ufmediaguide>''[http://web.gatorzone.com/football/media/2011/media_guide.pdf 2011 Florida Gators Football Media Guide] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402035222/http://web.gatorzone.com/football/media/2011/media_guide.pdf |date=April 2, 2012 }}'', University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 80, 89, 94, 97, 98, 101, 103, 154, 184 (2011). Retrieved August 31, 2011.</ref> Nelson was an immediate sophomore starter for the Gators at [[free safety]] in 2005. Nelson started in four games, and registered forty-six tackles, with four sacks, and forced a fumble. Against Georgia, Nelson recorded a career-high seven tackles. He also totaled seven tackles against Vanderbilt and Florida State.
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After graduating from Palm Bay High School in 2003, Nelson and Pirates teammate [[Joe Cohen]] chose to attend the University of Florida over rival [[Florida State University]]. He attended [[Coffeyville Community College]] in [[Coffeyville, Kansas]] first, red-shirting his [[freshman]] year, and then earned his [[associate's degree]] and transferred to Florida as a [[sophomore]].
  
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⚫
Nelson accepted an [[athletic scholarship]] to play for coach [[Urban Meyer]]'s [[Florida Gators football]] team in [[2005 Florida Gators football team|2005]] and [[2006 Florida Gators football team|2006]].<ref name=ufmediaguide>''[http://web.gatorzone.com/football/media/2011/media_guide.pdf 2011 Florida Gators Football Media Guide]'', University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 80, 89, 94, 97, 98, 101, 103, 154, 184 (2011). Retrieved August 31, 2011.</ref> Nelson was an immediate sophomore starter for coach the Gators at [[free safety]] in 2005. Nelson started against [[Georgia Bulldogs|Georgia]], [[Vanderbilt University|Vanderbilt]], [[South Carolina Gamecocks|South Carolina]], and [[Florida State]]. Nelson registered forty-six tackles, second-team with four sacks, and forced a fumble. Against Georgia, Nelson recorded a career-high seven tackles. He also totaled seven tackles against Vanderbilt and Florida State.
  
   
 
[[File:Reggie Nelson Reggie Wayne MNF.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Nelson hitting [[Reggie Wayne]] of the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in 2007.]]
  
[[File:Reggie Nelson Reggie Wayne MNF.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Nelson hitting [[Reggie Wayne]] of the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in 2007.]]
   
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In his junior year, which would end up being his last as a Gator, Nelson was selected as a member of the team's Leadership Committee, which was only one small highlight of his 2006 campaign. The Gators ended up going to the BCS National Championship Game and defeated the [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State Buckeyes]], while Nelson recorded fifty-one tackles, five pass breakups and six interceptions. Two of his interceptions were against the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee Volunteers]], and he returned another for a seventy-yard touchdown against the [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama Crimson Tide]]. Nelson was a first-team All-SEC selection and a consensus first-team [[All-American]], and he was chosen by his Gators teammates as the team's most valuable player.<ref name=ufmediaguide/><ref>''2012 NCAA Football Records Book'', [http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/Awards.pdf Award Winners], National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, Indiana, pp. 11 & 14 (2012). Retrieved September 14, 2012.</ref>
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In his junior year, which would end up being his last season as a Gator, Nelson was selected as a member of the team's Leadership Committee, which was only one small highlight of his 2006 campaign. The Gators ended up going to the BCS National Championship Game and defeated the [[2006 Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State Buckeyes]], while Nelson recorded fifty-one tackles, five pass breakups and six interceptions. Two of his interceptions were against the [[2006 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee Volunteers]], and he returned another for a seventy-yard touchdown against the [[2006 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama Crimson Tide]]. Nelson was a first-team All-SEC selection and a consensus first-team [[All-American]], and he was chosen by his Gators teammates as the team's most valuable player.<ref name=ufmediaguide/><ref>''2012 NCAA Football Records Book'', [http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2012/Awards.pdf Award Winners], National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, Indiana, pp. 11 & 14 (2012). Retrieved September 14, 2012.</ref>
   
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In 2006, he was part a defense that helped the Gators win their first SEC title in six years and their first national championship in ten years. While also gaining him the moniker "The Eraser" for his strong defensive play throughout the season as well as the "battle for the SEC" game against LSU <ref>http://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/just_call_reggie_nelson_the_eraser/</ref> At a Gators home basketball game the night following the national championship game, Nelson received a standing ovation from the crowd while they chanted his name and then "One more year!"
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In 2006, he was part a defense that helped the Gators win their first SEC title in six years and their first national championship in ten years. While also gaining him the moniker "The Eraser" for his strong defensive play throughout the season as well as the "battle for the SEC" game against LSU.<ref>http://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/just_call_reggie_nelson_the_eraser/</ref>
   
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== Professional career ==
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==Professional career==
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{{NFL predraft
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=== Jacksonville Jaguars ===
  
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| height ft = 5
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| height in = 11
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| weight = 198
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| dash = 4.56
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| ten split = 1.62
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| twenty split = 2.68
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| shuttle = 4.15
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| cone drill = 6.67
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| vertical = 35
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| broad ft = 10
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| broad in = 6
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| bench = 22
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| wonderlic =
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| arm span = {{fraction|33|1|4}}
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| hand span = {{fraction|8|4|5}}
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| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]/[[Florida Gators football|Florida's Pro Day]]<ref>{{cite web| title=*Reggie Nelson, DS #2 FS, Florida| url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=5953&draftyear=2007&genpos=FS| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=draftscout.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Combine Results: Reggie Nelson (2007)| url=http://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?f=Reggie&l=Nelson&i=7741| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=nflcombineresults.com}}</ref>
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}}
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===Jacksonville Jaguars===
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The [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] selected Nelson in the first round (21st overall) of the [[2007 NFL Draft]]. Nelson was the third safety drafted in 2007, behind [[LSU Tigers football|LSU's]] [[LaRon Landry]] and [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas']] [[Michael Griffin (American football)|Michael Griffin]], and also became the highest defensive back drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.<ref>{{cite web| title=Jaguars sign rookie Nelson| url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80081349/article/jaguars-sign-rookie-nelson| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com| date=July 27, 2007}}</ref>
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====2007====
 
[[File:Reggie Nelson.jpg|thumb|right|Nelson in 2007]]
  
[[File:Reggie Nelson.jpg|thumb|right|Nelson in 2007]]
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On July 28, 2007, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Nelson to a five-year, [[United States dollar|$]]9.55 million contract that includes $7.20 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5.04 million.<ref name="spotrac">{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Reggie Nelson contract| url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/oakland-raiders/reggie-nelson-4171/| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=Spotrac.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Reggie Nelson signs contract!| url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2007/7/28/85625/9410| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=bigcatcountry.com| date=July 28, 2007}}</ref>
   
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Nelson entered training camp slated as the starting free safety after the departure of [[Deon Grant]] in free agency. They also traded [[Donovin Darius]] at the beginning of camp due to a leg injury.<ref>{{cite web| title=Jaguars Release Safety Donovin Darius| url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/jaguars-release-safety-donovin-darius| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=news4jax.com| date=June 14, 2007}}</ref> Head coach [[Jack Del Rio]] officially named Nelson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, along with strong safety [[Gerald Sensabaugh]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart: 07/01/2007| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/JAX| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}</ref>
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Nelson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round (twenty-first pick overall) of the [[2007 NFL Draft]].<ref>Pro Football Hall of Fame, Draft History, [http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.aspx?story_id=2402 2007 National Football league Draft]. Retrieved July 1, 2010.</ref> After the departure of free safety [[Deon Grant]] as a [[free agent]] and the release of [[strong safety]] [[Donovin Darius]], Nelson led the Jaguars with seven tackles in their season opener against the Tennessee Titans in his first NFL game. He also sacked Tennessee quarterback [[Vince Young]], causing a forced fumble. He ended the year with sixty-three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and five interceptions.
  
   
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He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the [[2007 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars']] season-opener against [[2007 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] and collected seven combined tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback [[Vince Young]] during the Titans' 13–10 loss.<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 1-2007: Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2007090912/2007/REG1/titans@jaguars| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> On October 7, 2007, Nelson recorded a tackle, a pass deflection, and made his first career interception off a pass by quarterback [[Damon Huard]] during a 17–7 win at the [[2007 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]] in Week 5.<ref>{{cite web| title=Jaguars Vs. Chiefs- Game Summary-October 7, 2007| url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/game?gameId=271007012| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=ESPN.com| date=October 7, 2007}}</ref> In Week 8, he made eight solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass by [[Jeff Garcia]] during a 24–23 victory at the [[2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. The following week Nelson recorded a season-high ten solo tackles in the Jaguars' 41–24 loss at the [[2007 New Orleans Saints|New Orleans Saints]] in Week 9. He finished his rookie season with 63 combined tackles (58 solo), 11 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 15 starts.<ref name="career">{{cite web|title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (career)|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/careerstats|website=NFL.com}}</ref> He received an overall grade of 73.2 from Pro Football Focus in 2007.<ref name="PFFGrade">{{cite web| title=Raiders safety Reggie Nelson has been one of the NFL's most consistent in recent seasons| url=https://mobile.twitter.com/pff/status/869943314493169664| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=mobile.twitter.com}}</ref>
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=== Cincinnati Bengals ===
  
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On September 4, 2010 he was traded to the [[Cincinnati Bengals]]. In return, the Jaguars received cornerback [[David Jones (cornerback)|David Jones]].<ref>Bengals trade corner for safety; What next?, [http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-trade-corner-for-safety-What-next/29dd7cc1-3b8e-4b35-a318-a342acbb266c Bengals trade corner for safety; What next?]. Retrieved September 5, 2010.</ref> During the {{NFL Year|2011}} season, Nelson led the Bengals with four interceptions.<ref name=elmasry3132012>Talal Elmasry, "[http://progators.blogs.gatorsports.com/12240/eraser-hits-open-market-at-opportune-time/ 'Eraser' hits free agent market at opportune time]," ''The Gainesville Sun'' (March 13, 2012). Retrieved March 14, 2012.</ref> He was third on the team in tackles (102) and tied for second on the team in forced fumbles (two), including one that fellow Gator alumnus [[Carlos Dunlap]] returned for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.<ref name=elmasry3132012/> Nelson returned his first interception of the 2011 season 75 yards for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks—the fifth-longest interception return in Bengals history.<ref name=elmasry3132012/>
  
   
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The Jacksonville Jaguars finished second in the [[AFC South]] with a 13–3 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 5, 2008, Nelson started in his first career playoff game and made three solo tackles in the Jaguars' 31–29 victory at the [[2007 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he recorded six combined tackles as the Jaguars lost 31–20 at the [[2007 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]] in the AFC Divisional Round.<ref name="stats7">{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2007)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2007| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref>
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Following the 2011 season, Nelson became a free agent. The Bengals re-signed him on March 18. 2012.<ref>Michael David Smith, "[http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/18/bengals-re-sign-reggie-nelson/ Bengals re-sign Reggie Nelson]," NBC Sports (March 18, 2012). Retrieved March 18, 2012.</ref>
  
   
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== Personal ==
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====2008====
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The Jacksonville Jaguars hired [[Gregg Williams]] to be their new defensive coordinator after [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] accepted the head coaching role with the [[Atlanta Falcons]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Reggie Nelson Re-Dedicates Himself After Lackluster 2008| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190581| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Shanks, Daniel| date=June 8, 2009}}</ref> Head coach Jack Del Rio named Nelson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, opposite strong safety [[Brian Williams (cornerback)|Brian Williams]].
   
  +
Nelson sustained a knee injury and was inactive for three games (Weeks 4–6).<ref>{{cite web| title=Jaguars' Nelson, Florence ruled out against Steelers| url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80b53f88/article/jaguars-nelson-florence-ruled-out-against-steelers| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com| date=October 8, 2008}}</ref> On November 23, 2008, Nelson collected a season-high seven combined tackles during a 30–12 loss to the [[2008 Minnesota Vikings|Minnesota Vikings]] in Week 12. In Week 16, he tied his season-high of seven combined tackles and broke up a pass in the Jaguars' 31–24 loss to the [[2008 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2008)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2008| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished the {{NFL Year|2008}} season with 54 combined tackles (48 solo), four pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games and 13 starts.<ref name="career"/> He earned an overall grade of 47.6 in 2008, marking the lowest grade throughout his career.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
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Nelson's sister, Lynisha, is a basketball player for [[Florida Tech]] and his brother, Michael Nelson, is a teacher in the Miami-Dade public school system. Nelson's mother, Mary Lakes, who had breast cancer for several years, died on December 21, 2006, weeks before the 2007 BCS National Championship Game. As a result, Nelson was excused from participating in the daily media briefings leading up to the game.<ref>"[http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/orl-colbeat2306dec23,0,949827.story?track=rss College Football: The Beat; UF's Nelson loses mother to cancer]," ''Orlando Sentinel'' (December 23, 2006). Retrieved July 2, 2010.</ref>
  
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====2009====
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Defensive coordinator [[Mel Tucker]] retained Nelson as the starting free safety after former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams departed for the [[New Orleans Saints]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Ex-Jaguars coordinator Gregg Williams first in line to interview| url=http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2009/01/exjaguars_coordinator_first_in.html| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=blog.nola.com| author=Triplett, Mike| date=January 7, 2009}}</ref> In Week 8, Nelson recorded a season-high seven solo tackles during a 30–13 loss at the [[2009 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]].<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2009)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2009| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 15, Nelson had a disappointing performance and was demoted to being a backup for the rest of the season (Weeks 16–17) as [[Anthony Smith (safety)|Anthony Smith]] started in his place.<ref>{{cite web| title=Will Jaguars’ Reggie Nelson be demoted?| url=http://www.jacksonville.com/2016-03-11/stub-139| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=Jacksonville.com| author=Wright, Michael| date=December 23, 2009}}</ref> Nelson finished the {{NFL Year|2009}} season with 70 combined tackles (64 solo) in 16 games and 14 starts.<ref name="career"/> Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 51.8 in 2009.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
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====2010====
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Throughout training camp, Nelson competed for a role as a starting safety against Anthony Smith, [[Gerald Alexander]], and [[Sean Considine]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Reggie Nelson looks to rebound| url=http://www.staugustine.com/article/20100821/SPORTS/308219968| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=staugustine.com| author=Long, Mark| date=August 21, 2010}}</ref>
  +
  ⚫
===Cincinnati Bengals===
  +
On September 4, 2010, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded Nelson to the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] in exchange for cornerback [[David Jones (cornerback)|David Jones]] and a conditional draft pick.<ref>Bengals trade corner for safety; What next?, [http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-trade-corner-for-safety-What-next/29dd7cc1-3b8e-4b35-a318-a342acbb266c Bengals trade corner for safety; What next?]. Retrieved September 5, 2010.</ref> Head coach [[Marvin Lewis]] named Nelson the backup free safety, behind [[Chris Crocker (American football)|Chris Crocker]], to start the regular season.<ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2010| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/112/CIN| accessdate=May 9, 2010| website=Ourlads.com}}</ref>
  +
  +
On October 31, 2010, Nelson earned his first start with the Cincinnati Bengals after [[Roy Williams (safety)|Roy Williams]] and [[Chinedum Ndukwe]] were listed as inactive due to knee injuries.<ref>{{cite web| title=Injury Report: Dolphins @ Bengals| url=http://assets.dolphinsdigital.com/blog/2010/injury-report-miami-cincinnati| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=assets.dolphinsdigital.com| author=Pugh, Jesse| date=October 29, 2010}}</ref> He recorded six combined tackles in the Bengals' 22–14 loss to the [[2010 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins]] in Week 8. On November 22, 2010, Nelson became the starting free safety after the Cincinnati Bengals placed Chris Crocker on injured reserve for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.<ref>{{cite web| title=Bengals Place Safety Chris Crocker And Defensive End Frostee Rucker On IR| url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/2010/11/22/1830515/bengals-place-safety-chris-crocker-and-defensive-end-frostee-rucker| accessdate=May 9, 2018| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Kirkendall, Josh| date=November 22, 2010}}</ref> In Week 13, Nelson recorded three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by [[Drew Brees]] during a 34–30 loss to the [[2010 New Orleans Saints|New Orleans Saints]]. On December 26, 2010, Nelson collected a season-high eight combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Bengals' 34–20 victory against the [[2010 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers]] in Week 16. Nelson finished his first season with the Cincinnati Bengals with 54 combined tackles (34 solo), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and six starts.<ref name="career"/> He received an overall grade of 72.0 from Pro Football Focus in 2010.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
====2011====
  +
Nelson entered training camp slated as the starting strong safety.<ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 07/01/2011| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/121/CIN| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> Defensive coordinator [[Mike Zimmer]] officially named him the starter to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Chris Crocker.<ref>{{cite web| title=Bengals seek right mix of years| url=http://bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-seek-right-mix-of-years/104db8c9-5e49-447e-95c6-dd419cd1413b| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=Bengals.com| author=Hobson, Jeff| date=September 3, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/04/2011| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/CIN| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}</ref>
  +
  +
He started in the [[2011 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals']] season-opener at the [[2011 Cleveland Browns|Cleveland Browns]] and recorded nine combined tackles, two pass deflections, and a sack in their 27–17 victory.<ref name="stats11"/> On September 25, 2011, Nelson collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 13–8 loss to the [[2011 San Francisco 49ers|San Francisco 49ers]] in Week 3.<ref name="stats11"/> In Week 8, Nelson recorded five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown in the Bengals' 34–12 victory at the [[2011 Seattle Seahawks|Seattle Seahawks]].<ref name="stats11"/> He intercepted a pass by quarterback [[Tarvaris Jackson]] that was originally intended for wide receiver [[Kris Durham]] and returned it for a 75-yard touchdown with 49 seconds left in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 8-2011: Cincinnati Bengals @ Seattle Seahawks| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011103010/2011/REG8/bengals@seahawks| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> On December 24, 2011, he made seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, a sack, and an interception in the Bengals' 23–16 win against the [[2011 Arizona Cardinals|Arizona Cardinals]] in Week 16.<ref name="stats11"/> Nelson finished the {{NFL Year|2011}} season with 85 combined tackles (59 solo), 12 pass deflections, four interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/> Pro Football Focus gave Nelson an overall grade of 79.9 in 2011.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
The Cincinnati Bengals finished third in the [[AFC North]] with a 9–7 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 7, 2012, Nelson collected six combined tackles and sacked quarterback [[T. J. Yates]] during a 31–10 loss at the [[2011 Houston Texans|Houston Texans]] in the AFC Wildcard Game.<ref name="stats11">{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2011)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2011| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 18-2011: Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012010700/2011/POST18/bengals@texans| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref>
  +
  +
====2012====
  +
Nelson became an [[unrestricted free agent]] following the 2012 season and was widely considered to be the top free agent safety by many analysts. He reportedly received interest from three teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets. On May 16, 2012, Nelson attended a two-day private visit with the New York Jets and received a contract offer.<ref>{{cite web| title=NY Jets make an offer to free agent safety Reggie Nelson, expect to get an answer within 24 hours| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-offer-free-agent-safety-reggie-nelson-expect-answer-24-hours-article-1.1041426| accessdate=May 10, 2012| website=nydailynews.com| author=Mehta, Manish| date=May 17, 2012}}</ref> He ultimately declined their offer and chose to accept a similar contract offer by the Bengals.<ref>{{cite web| title=2012 NFL Free Agents: Reggie Nelson Says No to the New York Jets| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1109901-2012-nfl-free-agents-update-reggie-nelson-says-no-to-the-new-york-jets| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Ramirez, Miguel}}</ref>
  +
  +
On March 19, 2012, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Nelson to a four-year, $18 million contract that includes $6 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.5 million.<ref name="spotrac"/><ref>{{cite web| title=Four years, $18 million for Reggie Nelson| url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/21/four-years-18-million-for-reggie-nelson/| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com| author=Florio, Mike| date=March 21, 2012}}</ref>
  +
  +
Head coach [[Marvin Lewis]] officially named Nelson the starting free safety to start the 2012 regular season, opposite strong safety [[Taylor Mays]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2012| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/136/CIN| accessdate=May 10, 2012| website=ourlads.com}}</ref> In Week 3, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 38–31 victory at the [[2012 Washington Redskins|Washington Redskins]].<ref name="stats12"/> On October 7, 2012, Nelson tied his season-high of ten combined tackles (five solo) in the Bengals 17–13 loss to the [[2012 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins]] in Week 5.<ref name="stats12">{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2012)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2012| accessdate=May 10, 2012| website=NFL.com}}</ref> In Week 9, Nelson made five combined tackles and broke up a pass before exiting the Bengals' 31–23 loss to the [[2012 Denver Broncos|Denver Broncos]] in the third quarter after injuring his [[hamstring]]. He was sidelined for the next two games due to the injury (Weeks 10–11).<ref>{{cite web| title=Bengals Safety Reggie Nelson Unlikely To Play Against The New York Giants| url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/2012/11/9/3624814/bengals-safety-reggie-nelson-unlikely-new-york-giants| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Kirkendall, Josh| date=November 9, 2012}}</ref> He completed the {{NFL Year|2012}} season with 85 combined tackles (56 solo), nine pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 14 games and 14 starts.<ref name="career"/> Nelson received an overall grade of 88.1 from Pro Football Focus in 2012.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
The [[2012 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]] finished second in the AFC North with a 10–6 record. On January 6, 2013, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard Game and recorded ten combined tackles (nine solo) in the Bengals' 19–13 loss at the [[2012 Houston Texans|Houston Texans]].<ref name="stats12"/>
  +
  +
====2013====
  +
Defensive coordinator [[Mike Zimmer]] retained Nelson as the starting free safety to begin the season, alongside strong safety [[George Iloka]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/05/2013| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/CIN| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> Nelson was inactive for the Bengals' Week 4 loss at the [[2013 Cleveland Browns|Cleveland Browns]] after injuring his hamstring the previous week.<ref>{{cite web| title=Bengals get Nelson back, lose Johnson| url=http://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/1388/bengals-reggie-nelson-michael-johnson-injury-report| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=ESPN.com| author=Harvey, Cooley| date=October 2, 2013}}</ref> On November 17, 2013, Nelson collected a season-high nine combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception during a 41–20 win against the Cleveland Browns.<ref name="stats13">{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2013)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2013| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=ESPN.com}}</ref> He finished the season with 65 combined tackles (49 solo), seven pass deflections, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref name="career"/> The [[2013 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]] finished atop the AFC North with an 11–5 record, but were eliminated from the playoffs after a 27–10 loss to the [[2013 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers]] in the AFC Wildcard Game.<ref name="stats13"/> Nelson earned an overall grade of 82.3 from Pro Football Focus in 2013.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
====2014====
  +
The Cincinnati Bengals hired [[Paul Guenther (American football)|Paul Guenther]] as their new defensive coordinator after [[Mike Zimmer]] accepted the head coaching position with the [[Minnesota Vikings]]. Guenther opted to retain Nelson and Iloka as the starting safeties to start the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2014| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/CIN| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> On October 12, 2014, Nelson recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback [[Cam Newton]] as the Bengals and [[2014 Carolina Panthers|Carolina Panthers]] tied 37–37 in Week 6. In Week 17, he made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception during a 27–17 loss at the [[2014 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Nelson completed the {{NFL Year|2014}} season with a career-high 95 combined tackles (62 solo), 13 pass deflections, four interceptions, and 1.5 sacks in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/> He received an overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus in 2014.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
====2015====
  +
On October 18, 2015, Nelson recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo) and broke up a pass during a 34–21 win at the [[2015 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]] in Week 6. On November 1, 2015, Nelson collected five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] in the Bengals' 16–10 win at the [[2015 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]] in Week 8.<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 8-2015: Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015110102/2015/REG8/bengals@steelers| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> The two interceptions marked the first multi-interception game of Nelson's career. In Week 10, he made seven combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in the Bengals' 10–6 loss at the [[2015 Houston Texans|Houston Texans]]. His interception off quarterback [[Brian Hoyer]] began his five-game interception streak.<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 10-2015: Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111600/2015/REG10/texans@bengals| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> On December 13, 2015, he collected three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and made an interception in a 33–20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. The interception extended his interception streak to five games in-a-row.<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2015)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2015| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref> On December 24, 2015, it was announced that Nelson was voted to the [[2016 Pro Bowl]], marking the first [[Pro Bowl]] selection of his career.<ref>{{cite web| title=Chomping at Bits: Florida Gators greats Reggie Nelson, Mike Pouncey make Pro Bowl| url=https://www.alligatorarmy.com/2015/12/24/10663324/florida-gators-reggie-nelson-mike-pouncey-2016-pro-bowl| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=alligatorarmy.com| author=Hutchins, Andy| date=December 24, 2015}}</ref> Nelson started in 16 games in {{NFL Year|2015}} and recorded 77 combined tackles (52 solo), 14 passes defensed, and a career-high eight interceptions.<ref name="career"/> Nelson and [[Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs']] cornerback [[Marcus Peters]] led the league with eight interceptions in 2015. He also earned an overall grade of 84.2 from Pro Football Focus and was ranked 13th among qualifying safeties in 2016.<ref>{{cite web| title=Predicting the Biggest Suitors for Reggie Nelson, NFL's Best Remaining FA Safety| url=https://www.bleacherreport.com/2629266-predicting-the-biggest-suitors-for-reggie-nelson-nfls-best-remaining-fa-safety.html| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| date=April 1, 2016}}</ref><ref name="PFF">{{cite web| title=Raiders or Broncos now own best secondary in AFC West?| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-who-owns-the-best-secondary-in-the-afc-west| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com| author=Claasen, Matt| date=June 12, 2016}}</ref>
  +
  +
The [[2015 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]] completed the season on top of their division with a 12–4 record. On January 9, 2016, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard Game and recorded three combined tackles and a sack before exiting in the third quarter of the Bengals' 18–16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with an ankle injury.<ref>{{cite web| title=Bengals' Reggie Nelson, Dre Kirkpatrick leave Wild Card game with injuries| url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/1/9/10743446/reggie-nelson-injury-bengals-vs-steelers-wild-card-round| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=sbnation.com| author=Benne, Jon| date=January 9, 2016}}</ref> His ankle injury also sidelined him for the Pro Bowl and was replaced by Miami Dolphins' safety [[Reshad Jones]].<ref>{{cite web| title=Miami Dolphins defensive backs Reshad Jones, Brent Grimes added to Pro Bowl| url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article56435900.html| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=miamiherald.com| author=Beasley, Adam| date=January 25, 2016}}</ref>
  +
  +
====2016====
  +
Nelson became an unrestricted free agent after 2015 and was one of the top free agent safeties in the market. He received a two-year contract offer from the Cincinnati Bengals, but chose to decline it in hopes of receiving a three or four-year deal. At age 33, the Bengals declined to pursue a long-term contract extending beyond two years and ended contract negotiations.<ref>{{cite web| title=Palm Bay’s Reggie Nelson signs with Raiders| url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/2016/04/06/palm-bays-reggie-nelson-signs-raiders/82728438/| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=floridatoday.com| date=April 6, 2016}}</ref> Nelson also received interest from the [[Minnesota Vikings]] and [[Oakland Raiders]]. Vikings' head coach Mike Zimmer coached Nelson as the Bengals' defensive coordinator for five seasons.<ref>{{cite web| title=Vikings could push to sign Bengals safety Reggie Nelson| url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/2016/3/7/11175320/vikings-could-push-to-sign-bengals-safety-reggie-nelson| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Howe, Connor| date=March 7, 2016}}</ref>
  +
  +
===Oakland Raiders===
  +
On April 7, 2016, the [[Oakland Raiders]] signed Nelson to a two-year, $8.50 million contract with $4 million guaranteed.<ref name="spotrac"/><ref>{{cite web | title=Raiders Sign S Reggie Nelson | work= raiders.com | url=http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-S-Reggie-Nelson/8fd69e87-6e45-4471-9358-d4ec6ac9039e |accessdate=April 7, 2016}}</ref> The signing reunited Nelson with Oakland Raiders' head coach Jack Del Rio who previously was his head coach for the first three seasons of his career.
  +
  +
Head coach Jack Del Rio named Nelson the starting free safety to start the regular season, opposite starting strong safety [[Karl Joseph]]. In Week 2, Nelson collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 35–28 loss to the [[2016 Atlanta Falcons|Atlanta Falcons]]. The following week, Nelson collected six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and made his first interception as a member of the Oakland Raiders during their 17–10 win at the [[2016 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] in Week 3. On December 20, 2016, it was announced that Nelson was voted to the [[2017 Pro Bowl]], marking his second consecutive selection.<ref>{{cite web| title=Trip to 2017 Pro Bowl earns several Raiders nice bonuses| url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/12/21/14042378/trip-to-2017-pro-bowl-earns-several-raiders-nice-bonuses| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=silverandblackpride.com| author=Damien, Levi| date=December 21, 2016}}</ref> He started in 16 games in his first season with the Oakland Raiders and recorded 65 combined tackles (50 solo), 12 pass deflections, and five interceptions.<ref name="career"/> He received an overall grade of 81.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2016.<ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
The [[2016 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders]] finished first in the [[AFC West]] with a 12–4 record. On January 7, 2017, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard game at the [[2016 Houston Texans|Houston Texans]] and recorded five solo tackles during their 27–24 loss.<ref>{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2016)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2016| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}</ref>
  +
  +
====2017====
  +
[[File:Josh Doctson (36632502803).jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Josh Doctson]] scoring his first career touchdown against the [[2017 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] with cornerback [[David Amerson]] and safety Reggie Nelson covering him.]]
  +
He started in the [[2017 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders']] season-opener at the [[2017 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]] and recorded a season-high eight combined tackles and a pass deflection in their 26–16 victory. The following week, he tied his season-high of eight combined tackles during a 45–20 victory against the [[2017 New York Jets|New York Jets]] in Week 2. On December 25, 2017, Nelson recorded six solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and an interception in the Raiders' 19–10 loss at the [[2017 Philadelphia Eagles|Philadelphia Eagles]] in Week 16. He finished the season with 89 combined tackles (60 solo), five passes defended, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/> On December 31, 2017, the Oakland Raiders fired head coach Jack Del Rio after they finished with a 6-10 record.<ref>{{cite web| title=Oakland Raiders fire head coach Jack Del Rio| url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000901236/article/oakland-raiders-fire-head-coach-jack-del-rio| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=nfl.com| date=December 31, 2017}}</ref> [[Pro Football Focus]] gave Nelson an overall grade of 75.3, which ranked him the 56th among all qualifying safeties in 2017.<ref>{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Reggie Nelson| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/reggie-nelson/3637| accessdate=May 10, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com}}</ref><ref name="PFFGrade"/>
  +
  +
====2018====
  +
On March 24, 2018, the Oakland Raiders signed Nelson to a one-year, $2.50 million contract with $1.15 million guaranteed.<ref name="spotrac"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/3/24/17159484/reggie-nelson-back-with-raiders-on-1-year-deal |title=Reggie Nelson back with Raiders on 1-year deal |last=Damien |first=Levi |date=March 24, 2018 |website=SilverAndBlackPride.com |access-date=2019-05-31}}</ref> He played in 11 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 5, 2018 with a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Raiders announce transactions - 12.5.18|url=https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-announce-transactions-12-5-18|website=Raiders.com|date=December 5, 2018}}</ref>
  +
  +
== Personal life==
  ⚫
Nelson's sister, Lynisha, is a basketball player for the [[Florida Tech Panthers]] and his brother, Michael Nelson, is a teacher in the Miami-Dade public school system. Nelson's mother, Mary Lakes, who had breast cancer for several years, died on December 21, 2006, weeks before the 2007 BCS National Championship Game. As a result, Nelson was excused from participating in the daily media briefings leading up to the game.<ref>"[http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/orl-colbeat2306dec23,0,949827.story?track=rss College Football: The Beat; UF's Nelson loses mother to cancer]," ''Orlando Sentinel'' (December 23, 2006). Retrieved July 2, 2010.</ref>
  +
  +
=== 2007 Gainesville Shooting ===
  +
On September 30, 2007, a car driven by Justin Glass with passengers Corey Smith and Randall Cason was approached by two individuals one of whom opened fire on the car. Smith received a gunshot wound to the back of his head and was in a coma for two days while Glass was shot in the arm. Cason who was unhurt in the incident initially identified Reggie Nelson as the man accompanying the shooter, identified as [[Aaron Hernandez]].<ref>"[http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9446754/mass-police-investigate-aaron-hernandez-possible-role-2007-gainesville-shooting-according-sources]," "ESPN.com" (July 3, 2013). Retrieved May 16, 2014.</ref> Cason later rescinded his identification of [[Aaron Hernandez]] as the shooter and Reggie Nelson as the accomplice. No charges from this incident were ever brought against either Hernandez or Nelson.
   
 
== See also ==
  
== See also ==
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* [[2006 College Football All-America Team]]
  
* [[2006 College Football All-America Team]]
 
* [[2006 Florida Gators football team]]
  
* [[2006 Florida Gators football team]]
−
* [[Florida Gators]]
  
 
* [[History of the Cincinnati Bengals]]
  
* [[History of the Cincinnati Bengals]]
 
* [[List of Florida Gators football All-Americans]]
  
* [[List of Florida Gators football All-Americans]]
−
* [[List of Florida Gators football players]]
 +
* [[List of Florida Gators football players in the NFL]]
 
* [[List of Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft picks]]
  
* [[List of Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft picks]]
   
 
== References ==
  
== References ==
  +
−
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
 +
{{Reflist|30em}}
   
 
== Bibliography ==
  
== Bibliography ==
  +
−
* Carlson, Norm, ''University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators'', Whitman Publishing, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2007). ISBN 0-7948-2298-3.
 +
* Carlson, Norm, ''University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators'', Whitman Publishing, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2007). {{ISBN|0-7948-2298-3}}.
   
 
== External links ==
  
== External links ==
−
* [http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/Reggie-Nelson/ac1267ca-ed4d-4887-ac69-09636c1f60ee Reggie Nelson] – Cincinnati Bengals player profile
 +
* [http://www.raiders.com/team/roster/Reggie-Nelson/57cce4b1-c5a0-4a5e-81cb-8db12a3f5812 Oakland Raiders bio]
−
* [http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2005%E2%8A%82=team&bio=nelson_r.html Reggie Nelson] – Florida Gators player profile
 +
* [http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/Reggie-Nelson/ac1267ca-ed4d-4887-ac69-09636c1f60ee Cincinnati Bengals bio]
  +
* [http://www.gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2005%E2%8A%82=team&bio=nelson_r.html Florida Gators bio]
   
 
{{Commons category|Reggie Nelson}}
  
{{Commons category|Reggie Nelson}}
   
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{{FHSAA's All-Century Team}}
  
 
{{2006 Florida Gators football navbox}}
  
{{2006 Florida Gators football navbox}}
 
{{2006 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
  
{{2006 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
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{{Jack Tatum Trophy}}
  
 
{{2007 NFL Draft}}
  
{{2007 NFL Draft}}
 
{{JaguarsFirstPick}}
  
{{JaguarsFirstPick}}
 
{{Jaguars2007DraftPicks}}
  
{{Jaguars2007DraftPicks}}
  +
{{NFL season interception leaders}}
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{{Cincinnati Bengals roster navbox}}
  
   
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{{Persondata
  
−
| NAME = Nelson, Reggie
  
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
 
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = All-American college football player, professional football player, defensive back, safety
  
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| DATE OF BIRTH = September 21, 1983
  
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = Melbourne, Florida, United States
  
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| DATE OF DEATH =
 
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| PLACE OF DEATH =
 
⚫
}}
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Reggie}}
  
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Reggie}}
 
[[Category:1983 births]]
  
[[Category:1983 births]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
  
 
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
  
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
 
[[Category:American football safeties]]
  
[[Category:American football safeties]]
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[[Category:Florida Gators football players]]
  
[[Category:Florida Gators football players]]
 
[[Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players]]
  
[[Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:Oakland Raiders players]]
 
[[Category:People from Melbourne, Florida]]
  
[[Category:People from Melbourne, Florida]]
 
[[Category:People from Palm Bay, Florida]]
  
[[Category:People from Palm Bay, Florida]]
 
[[Category:Players of American football from Florida]]
  
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[[Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players]]
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Latest revision as of 21:27, 4 September 2019

Reggie Nelson
File:ReggieNelson.jpg
Nelson with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013
Free safety
Personal information
Date of birth: (1983-09-21) September 21, 1983 (age 40)
Place of birth: Melbourne, Florida
Career information
College: Florida
NFL Draft: 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21
No regular season or postseason appearances
Career history
* Jacksonville Jaguars ( 2007– 2009)
Career highlights and awards
;NFL
College
Career NFL statistics as of 2018
Total tackles     830
Sacks     6.5
Pass deflections     100
Interceptions     38
Forced fumbles     10
Defensive Touchdowns     1
Stats at NFL.com
Stats at pro-football-reference.com

Reggie Lee Nelson (born September 21, 1983) is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football for the University of Florida, where he was a member of a national championship team and earned consensus All-American honors. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft and has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders.

Early years

Nelson was born in Melbourne, Florida in 1983.[1] He attended Palm Bay High School in Melbourne,[2] and was a standout high school football player for the Palm Bay Pirates. He was teammates with Joe Cohen and Xavier Carter. Nelson was a two-time first-team All-State honoree, and helped lead Palm Bay to win Florida Class 4A state championship as a safety and return specialist in 2002.[3] As a senior, Nelson averaged forty-five yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kickoff return, totaling a state record 1,531 return yards.[4] In 2007, four years after he graduated from high school, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) named Nelson to its "All-Century Team," recognizing him as one of the thirty-three greatest Florida high school football players of the last 100 years.[4] He was taught how to play football by Rob Robbins.

College career

After graduating from Palm Bay High School in 2003, Nelson and Pirates teammate Joe Cohen chose to attend the University of Florida over rival Florida State University. He attended Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas first, red-shirting his freshman year, and then earned his associate degree and transferred to Florida as a sophomore.

Nelson accepted an athletic scholarship to play for coach Urban Meyer's Florida Gators football team in 2005 and 2006.[5] Nelson was an immediate sophomore starter for the Gators at free safety in 2005. Nelson started in four games, and registered forty-six tackles, with four sacks, and forced a fumble. Against Georgia, Nelson recorded a career-high seven tackles. He also totaled seven tackles against Vanderbilt and Florida State.

File:Reggie Nelson Reggie Wayne MNF.jpg

Nelson hitting Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.

In his junior year, which would end up being his last season as a Gator, Nelson was selected as a member of the team's Leadership Committee, which was only one small highlight of his 2006 campaign. The Gators ended up going to the BCS National Championship Game and defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, while Nelson recorded fifty-one tackles, five pass breakups and six interceptions. Two of his interceptions were against the Tennessee Volunteers, and he returned another for a seventy-yard touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Nelson was a first-team All-SEC selection and a consensus first-team All-American, and he was chosen by his Gators teammates as the team's most valuable player.[5][6]

In 2006, he was part a defense that helped the Gators win their first SEC title in six years and their first national championship in ten years. While also gaining him the moniker "The Eraser" for his strong defensive play throughout the season as well as the "battle for the SEC" game against LSU.[7]

Professional career

Pre-draft measureables
Ht WtArm lengthHand size 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP
5 ft 11 in 198 lb33 ¼ in8 ⅘ in 4.56 s 1.62 s 2.68 s 4.15 s 6.67 s 35 in 10 ft 6 in 22 reps

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Nelson in the first round (21st overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. Nelson was the third safety drafted in 2007, behind LSU's LaRon Landry and Texas' Michael Griffin, and also became the highest defensive back drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.[8]

2007

File:Reggie Nelson.jpg

Nelson in 2007

On July 28, 2007, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Nelson to a five-year, $9.55 million contract that includes $7.20 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5.04 million.[9][10]

Nelson entered training camp slated as the starting free safety after the departure of Deon Grant in free agency. They also traded Donovin Darius at the beginning of camp due to a leg injury.[11] Head coach Jack Del Rio officially named Nelson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, along with strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh.[12]

He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Jacksonville Jaguars' season-opener against Tennessee Titans and collected seven combined tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback Vince Young during the Titans' 13–10 loss.[13] On October 7, 2007, Nelson recorded a tackle, a pass deflection, and made his first career interception off a pass by quarterback Damon Huard during a 17–7 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.[14] In Week 8, he made eight solo tackles, deflected a pass, and intercepted a pass by Jeff Garcia during a 24–23 victory at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The following week Nelson recorded a season-high ten solo tackles in the Jaguars' 41–24 loss at the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. He finished his rookie season with 63 combined tackles (58 solo), 11 pass deflections, five interceptions, and a forced fumble in 16 games and 15 starts.[15] He received an overall grade of 73.2 from Pro Football Focus in 2007.[16]

The Jacksonville Jaguars finished second in the AFC South with a 13–3 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 5, 2008, Nelson started in his first career playoff game and made three solo tackles in the Jaguars' 31–29 victory at the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he recorded six combined tackles as the Jaguars lost 31–20 at the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.[17]

2008

The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Gregg Williams to be their new defensive coordinator after Mike Smith accepted the head coaching role with the Atlanta Falcons.[18] Head coach Jack Del Rio named Nelson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, opposite strong safety Brian Williams.

Nelson sustained a knee injury and was inactive for three games (Weeks 4–6).[19] On November 23, 2008, Nelson collected a season-high seven combined tackles during a 30–12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12. In Week 16, he tied his season-high of seven combined tackles and broke up a pass in the Jaguars' 31–24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.[20] He finished the 2008 season with 54 combined tackles (48 solo), four pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games and 13 starts.[15] He earned an overall grade of 47.6 in 2008, marking the lowest grade throughout his career.[16]

2009

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker retained Nelson as the starting free safety after former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams departed for the New Orleans Saints.[21] In Week 8, Nelson recorded a season-high seven solo tackles during a 30–13 loss at the Tennessee Titans.[22] In Week 15, Nelson had a disappointing performance and was demoted to being a backup for the rest of the season (Weeks 16–17) as Anthony Smith started in his place.[23] Nelson finished the 2009 season with 70 combined tackles (64 solo) in 16 games and 14 starts.[15] Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 51.8 in 2009.[16]

2010

Throughout training camp, Nelson competed for a role as a starting safety against Anthony Smith, Gerald Alexander, and Sean Considine.[24]

Cincinnati Bengals

On September 4, 2010, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded Nelson to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for cornerback David Jones and a conditional draft pick.[25] Head coach Marvin Lewis named Nelson the backup free safety, behind Chris Crocker, to start the regular season.[26]

On October 31, 2010, Nelson earned his first start with the Cincinnati Bengals after Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe were listed as inactive due to knee injuries.[27] He recorded six combined tackles in the Bengals' 22–14 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. On November 22, 2010, Nelson became the starting free safety after the Cincinnati Bengals placed Chris Crocker on injured reserve for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.[28] In Week 13, Nelson recorded three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Drew Brees during a 34–30 loss to the New Orleans Saints. On December 26, 2010, Nelson collected a season-high eight combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Bengals' 34–20 victory against the San Diego Chargers in Week 16. Nelson finished his first season with the Cincinnati Bengals with 54 combined tackles (34 solo), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and six starts.[15] He received an overall grade of 72.0 from Pro Football Focus in 2010.[16]

2011

Nelson entered training camp slated as the starting strong safety.[29] Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer officially named him the starter to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Chris Crocker.[30][31]

He started in the Cincinnati Bengals' season-opener at the Cleveland Browns and recorded nine combined tackles, two pass deflections, and a sack in their 27–17 victory.[32] On September 25, 2011, Nelson collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 13–8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.[32] In Week 8, Nelson recorded five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and returned an interception for his first career touchdown in the Bengals' 34–12 victory at the Seattle Seahawks.[32] He intercepted a pass by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson that was originally intended for wide receiver Kris Durham and returned it for a 75-yard touchdown with 49 seconds left in the fourth quarter.[33] On December 24, 2011, he made seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, a sack, and an interception in the Bengals' 23–16 win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16.[32] Nelson finished the 2011 season with 85 combined tackles (59 solo), 12 pass deflections, four interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.[15] Pro Football Focus gave Nelson an overall grade of 79.9 in 2011.[16]

The Cincinnati Bengals finished third in the AFC North with a 9–7 record and received a wildcard berth. On January 7, 2012, Nelson collected six combined tackles and sacked quarterback T. J. Yates during a 31–10 loss at the Houston Texans in the AFC Wildcard Game.[32][34]

2012

Nelson became an unrestricted free agent following the 2012 season and was widely considered to be the top free agent safety by many analysts. He reportedly received interest from three teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets. On May 16, 2012, Nelson attended a two-day private visit with the New York Jets and received a contract offer.[35] He ultimately declined their offer and chose to accept a similar contract offer by the Bengals.[36]

On March 19, 2012, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Nelson to a four-year, $18 million contract that includes $6 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.5 million.[9][37]

Head coach Marvin Lewis officially named Nelson the starting free safety to start the 2012 regular season, opposite strong safety Taylor Mays.[38] In Week 3, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 38–31 victory at the Washington Redskins.[39] On October 7, 2012, Nelson tied his season-high of ten combined tackles (five solo) in the Bengals 17–13 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5.[39] In Week 9, Nelson made five combined tackles and broke up a pass before exiting the Bengals' 31–23 loss to the Denver Broncos in the third quarter after injuring his hamstring. He was sidelined for the next two games due to the injury (Weeks 10–11).[40] He completed the 2012 season with 85 combined tackles (56 solo), nine pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 14 games and 14 starts.[15] Nelson received an overall grade of 88.1 from Pro Football Focus in 2012.[16]

The Cincinnati Bengals finished second in the AFC North with a 10–6 record. On January 6, 2013, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard Game and recorded ten combined tackles (nine solo) in the Bengals' 19–13 loss at the Houston Texans.[39]

2013

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer retained Nelson as the starting free safety to begin the season, alongside strong safety George Iloka.[41] Nelson was inactive for the Bengals' Week 4 loss at the Cleveland Browns after injuring his hamstring the previous week.[42] On November 17, 2013, Nelson collected a season-high nine combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception during a 41–20 win against the Cleveland Browns.[43] He finished the season with 65 combined tackles (49 solo), seven pass deflections, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.[15] The Cincinnati Bengals finished atop the AFC North with an 11–5 record, but were eliminated from the playoffs after a 27–10 loss to the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Wildcard Game.[43] Nelson earned an overall grade of 82.3 from Pro Football Focus in 2013.[16]

2014

The Cincinnati Bengals hired Paul Guenther as their new defensive coordinator after Mike Zimmer accepted the head coaching position with the Minnesota Vikings. Guenther opted to retain Nelson and Iloka as the starting safeties to start the 2014 season.[44] On October 12, 2014, Nelson recorded a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo), two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass attempt by quarterback Cam Newton as the Bengals and Carolina Panthers tied 37–37 in Week 6. In Week 17, he made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception during a 27–17 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nelson completed the 2014 season with a career-high 95 combined tackles (62 solo), 13 pass deflections, four interceptions, and 1.5 sacks in 16 games and 16 starts.[15] He received an overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus in 2014.[16]

2015

On October 18, 2015, Nelson recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo) and broke up a pass during a 34–21 win at the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. On November 1, 2015, Nelson collected five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted two pass attempts by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the Bengals' 16–10 win at the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8.[45] The two interceptions marked the first multi-interception game of Nelson's career. In Week 10, he made seven combined tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in the Bengals' 10–6 loss at the Houston Texans. His interception off quarterback Brian Hoyer began his five-game interception streak.[46] On December 13, 2015, he collected three combined tackles, broke up a pass, and made an interception in a 33–20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. The interception extended his interception streak to five games in-a-row.[47] On December 24, 2015, it was announced that Nelson was voted to the 2016 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.[48] Nelson started in 16 games in 2015 and recorded 77 combined tackles (52 solo), 14 passes defensed, and a career-high eight interceptions.[15] Nelson and Kansas City Chiefs' cornerback Marcus Peters led the league with eight interceptions in 2015. He also earned an overall grade of 84.2 from Pro Football Focus and was ranked 13th among qualifying safeties in 2016.[49][50]

The Cincinnati Bengals completed the season on top of their division with a 12–4 record. On January 9, 2016, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard Game and recorded three combined tackles and a sack before exiting in the third quarter of the Bengals' 18–16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with an ankle injury.[51] His ankle injury also sidelined him for the Pro Bowl and was replaced by Miami Dolphins' safety Reshad Jones.[52]

2016

Nelson became an unrestricted free agent after 2015 and was one of the top free agent safeties in the market. He received a two-year contract offer from the Cincinnati Bengals, but chose to decline it in hopes of receiving a three or four-year deal. At age 33, the Bengals declined to pursue a long-term contract extending beyond two years and ended contract negotiations.[53] Nelson also received interest from the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders. Vikings' head coach Mike Zimmer coached Nelson as the Bengals' defensive coordinator for five seasons.[54]

Oakland Raiders

On April 7, 2016, the Oakland Raiders signed Nelson to a two-year, $8.50 million contract with $4 million guaranteed.[9][55] The signing reunited Nelson with Oakland Raiders' head coach Jack Del Rio who previously was his head coach for the first three seasons of his career.

Head coach Jack Del Rio named Nelson the starting free safety to start the regular season, opposite starting strong safety Karl Joseph. In Week 2, Nelson collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (ten solo) during a 35–28 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The following week, Nelson collected six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and made his first interception as a member of the Oakland Raiders during their 17–10 win at the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. On December 20, 2016, it was announced that Nelson was voted to the 2017 Pro Bowl, marking his second consecutive selection.[56] He started in 16 games in his first season with the Oakland Raiders and recorded 65 combined tackles (50 solo), 12 pass deflections, and five interceptions.[15] He received an overall grade of 81.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2016.[16]

The Oakland Raiders finished first in the AFC West with a 12–4 record. On January 7, 2017, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard game at the Houston Texans and recorded five solo tackles during their 27–24 loss.[57]

2017

File:Josh Doctson (36632502803).jpg

Josh Doctson scoring his first career touchdown against the Oakland Raiders with cornerback David Amerson and safety Reggie Nelson covering him.

He started in the Oakland Raiders' season-opener at the Tennessee Titans and recorded a season-high eight combined tackles and a pass deflection in their 26–16 victory. The following week, he tied his season-high of eight combined tackles during a 45–20 victory against the New York Jets in Week 2. On December 25, 2017, Nelson recorded six solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and an interception in the Raiders' 19–10 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. He finished the season with 89 combined tackles (60 solo), five passes defended, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 16 games and 16 starts.[15] On December 31, 2017, the Oakland Raiders fired head coach Jack Del Rio after they finished with a 6-10 record.[58] Pro Football Focus gave Nelson an overall grade of 75.3, which ranked him the 56th among all qualifying safeties in 2017.[59][16]

2018

On March 24, 2018, the Oakland Raiders signed Nelson to a one-year, $2.50 million contract with $1.15 million guaranteed.[9][60] He played in 11 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 5, 2018 with a shoulder injury.[61]

Personal life

Nelson's sister, Lynisha, is a basketball player for the Florida Tech Panthers and his brother, Michael Nelson, is a teacher in the Miami-Dade public school system. Nelson's mother, Mary Lakes, who had breast cancer for several years, died on December 21, 2006, weeks before the 2007 BCS National Championship Game. As a result, Nelson was excused from participating in the daily media briefings leading up to the game.[62]

2007 Gainesville Shooting

On September 30, 2007, a car driven by Justin Glass with passengers Corey Smith and Randall Cason was approached by two individuals one of whom opened fire on the car. Smith received a gunshot wound to the back of his head and was in a coma for two days while Glass was shot in the arm. Cason who was unhurt in the incident initially identified Reggie Nelson as the man accompanying the shooter, identified as Aaron Hernandez.[63] Cason later rescinded his identification of Aaron Hernandez as the shooter and Reggie Nelson as the accomplice. No charges from this incident were ever brought against either Hernandez or Nelson.

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Pro-Football-Reference.com, Players, Reggie Nelson. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  2. ↑ databaseFootball.com, Players, Reggie Nelson. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  3. ↑ GatorZone.com, Football History, 2006 Roster, Reggie Nelson. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "FHSAA announces 33-member All-Century football team," Florida High School Athletic Association (December 12, 2007). Retrieved May 26, 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 2011 Florida Gators Football Media Guide Archived April 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 80, 89, 94, 97, 98, 101, 103, 154, 184 (2011). Retrieved August 31, 2011.
  6. ↑ 2012 NCAA Football Records Book, Award Winners, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, Indiana, pp. 11 & 14 (2012). Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  7. ↑ http://www.gatorcountry.com/football/article/just_call_reggie_nelson_the_eraser/
  8. ↑ "Jaguars sign rookie Nelson". July 27, 2007. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80081349/article/jaguars-sign-rookie-nelson. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Spotrac.com: Reggie Nelson contract". http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/oakland-raiders/reggie-nelson-4171/. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Reggie Nelson signs contract!". July 28, 2007. https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2007/7/28/85625/9410. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Jaguars Release Safety Donovin Darius". June 14, 2007. https://www.news4jax.com/news/jaguars-release-safety-donovin-darius. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart: 07/01/2007". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/JAX. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  13. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 1-2007: Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars". http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2007090912/2007/REG1/titans@jaguars. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Jaguars Vs. Chiefs- Game Summary-October 7, 2007". October 7, 2007. http://www.espn.com/nfl/game?gameId=271007012. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  15. ↑ 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (career)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/careerstats.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 16.9 "Raiders safety Reggie Nelson has been one of the NFL's most consistent in recent seasons". https://mobile.twitter.com/pff/status/869943314493169664. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  17. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2007)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2007. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  18. ↑ Shanks, Daniel (June 8, 2009). "Reggie Nelson Re-Dedicates Himself After Lackluster 2008". http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190581. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Jaguars' Nelson, Florence ruled out against Steelers". October 8, 2008. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80b53f88/article/jaguars-nelson-florence-ruled-out-against-steelers. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  20. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2008)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2008. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  21. ↑ Triplett, Mike (January 7, 2009). "Ex-Jaguars coordinator Gregg Williams first in line to interview". http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2009/01/exjaguars_coordinator_first_in.html. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  22. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2009)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2009. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  23. ↑ Wright, Michael (December 23, 2009). "Will Jaguars’ Reggie Nelson be demoted?". http://www.jacksonville.com/2016-03-11/stub-139. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  24. ↑ Long, Mark (August 21, 2010). "Reggie Nelson looks to rebound". http://www.staugustine.com/article/20100821/SPORTS/308219968. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  25. ↑ Bengals trade corner for safety; What next?, Bengals trade corner for safety; What next?. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  26. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2010". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/112/CIN. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
  27. ↑ Pugh, Jesse (October 29, 2010). "Injury Report: Dolphins @ Bengals". http://assets.dolphinsdigital.com/blog/2010/injury-report-miami-cincinnati. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  28. ↑ Kirkendall, Josh (November 22, 2010). "Bengals Place Safety Chris Crocker And Defensive End Frostee Rucker On IR". https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/2010/11/22/1830515/bengals-place-safety-chris-crocker-and-defensive-end-frostee-rucker. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 07/01/2011". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/121/CIN. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  30. ↑ Hobson, Jeff (September 3, 2011). "Bengals seek right mix of years". http://bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-seek-right-mix-of-years/104db8c9-5e49-447e-95c6-dd419cd1413b. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/04/2011". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/CIN. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2011)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2011. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  33. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 8-2011: Cincinnati Bengals @ Seattle Seahawks". http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011103010/2011/REG8/bengals@seahawks. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  34. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 18-2011: Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans". http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012010700/2011/POST18/bengals@texans. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  35. ↑ Mehta, Manish (May 17, 2012). "NY Jets make an offer to free agent safety Reggie Nelson, expect to get an answer within 24 hours". http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/ny-jets-offer-free-agent-safety-reggie-nelson-expect-answer-24-hours-article-1.1041426. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  36. ↑ Ramirez, Miguel. "2012 NFL Free Agents: Reggie Nelson Says No to the New York Jets". http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1109901-2012-nfl-free-agents-update-reggie-nelson-says-no-to-the-new-york-jets. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  37. ↑ Florio, Mike (March 21, 2012). "Four years, $18 million for Reggie Nelson". https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/21/four-years-18-million-for-reggie-nelson/. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2012". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/136/CIN. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2012)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2012. Retrieved May 10, 2012.
  40. ↑ Kirkendall, Josh (November 9, 2012). "Bengals Safety Reggie Nelson Unlikely To Play Against The New York Giants". https://www.cincyjungle.com/2012/11/9/3624814/bengals-safety-reggie-nelson-unlikely-new-york-giants. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  41. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/05/2013". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/CIN. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  42. ↑ Harvey, Cooley (October 2, 2013). "Bengals get Nelson back, lose Johnson". http://www.espn.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/1388/bengals-reggie-nelson-michael-johnson-injury-report. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2013)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2013. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  44. ↑ "Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2014". http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/CIN. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  45. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 8-2015: Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers". http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015110102/2015/REG8/bengals@steelers. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  46. ↑ "NFL Game Center: Week 10-2015: Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals". http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111600/2015/REG10/texans@bengals. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  47. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2015)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2015. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  48. ↑ Hutchins, Andy (December 24, 2015). "Chomping at Bits: Florida Gators greats Reggie Nelson, Mike Pouncey make Pro Bowl". https://www.alligatorarmy.com/2015/12/24/10663324/florida-gators-reggie-nelson-mike-pouncey-2016-pro-bowl. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Predicting the Biggest Suitors for Reggie Nelson, NFL's Best Remaining FA Safety". April 1, 2016. https://www.bleacherreport.com/2629266-predicting-the-biggest-suitors-for-reggie-nelson-nfls-best-remaining-fa-safety.html. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  50. ↑ Claasen, Matt (June 12, 2016). "Raiders or Broncos now own best secondary in AFC West?". https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pro-who-owns-the-best-secondary-in-the-afc-west. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  51. ↑ Benne, Jon (January 9, 2016). "Bengals' Reggie Nelson, Dre Kirkpatrick leave Wild Card game with injuries". https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2016/1/9/10743446/reggie-nelson-injury-bengals-vs-steelers-wild-card-round. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  52. ↑ Beasley, Adam (January 25, 2016). "Miami Dolphins defensive backs Reshad Jones, Brent Grimes added to Pro Bowl". http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article56435900.html. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  53. ↑ "Palm Bay’s Reggie Nelson signs with Raiders". April 6, 2016. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/sports/2016/04/06/palm-bays-reggie-nelson-signs-raiders/82728438/. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  54. ↑ Howe, Connor (March 7, 2016). "Vikings could push to sign Bengals safety Reggie Nelson". https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/2016/3/7/11175320/vikings-could-push-to-sign-bengals-safety-reggie-nelson. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  55. ↑ "Raiders Sign S Reggie Nelson". raiders.com. http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Raiders-Sign-S-Reggie-Nelson/8fd69e87-6e45-4471-9358-d4ec6ac9039e. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  56. ↑ Damien, Levi (December 21, 2016). "Trip to 2017 Pro Bowl earns several Raiders nice bonuses". https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2016/12/21/14042378/trip-to-2017-pro-bowl-earns-several-raiders-nice-bonuses. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  57. ↑ "NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2016)". http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2016. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  58. ↑ "Oakland Raiders fire head coach Jack Del Rio". December 31, 2017. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000901236/article/oakland-raiders-fire-head-coach-jack-del-rio. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  59. ↑ "Pro Football Focus: Reggie Nelson". https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/reggie-nelson/3637. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  60. ↑ Damien, Levi (March 24, 2018). "Reggie Nelson back with Raiders on 1-year deal". https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/3/24/17159484/reggie-nelson-back-with-raiders-on-1-year-deal.
  61. ↑ "Raiders announce transactions - 12.5.18". December 5, 2018. https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-announce-transactions-12-5-18.
  62. ↑ "College Football: The Beat; UF's Nelson loses mother to cancer," Orlando Sentinel (December 23, 2006). Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  63. ↑ "[1]," "ESPN.com" (July 3, 2013). Retrieved May 16, 2014.

Bibliography

  • Carlson, Norm, University of Florida Football Vault: The History of the Florida Gators, Whitman Publishing, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2007). ISBN 0-7948-2298-3.

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