Steve Nelson

Steve Nelson played linebacker for the Patriots from 1974-87 and became the nucleus of the Patriots defense. Nelson was voted to three Pro Bowls and recorded more than 100 tackles nine times during his career. He led the Patriots in tackles in eight of his 14 seasons, including an unofficial team record of 207 in 1988. He finished his career with a patriotic 1,776 total tackles. After retirement, he coached for the Patriots and later built Curry College into a perennial power. More recently, Nelson has become a familiar football analyst on local television and radio. In 1993, Nelson was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. The Minnesota native remains a Massachusetts resident. Inducted 1993.