Reggie Nelson

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Reggie Nelson

| image = ReggieNelson.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Nelson with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013

| number = 25, 20, 27

| position = Safety

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|9|21|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Melbourne, Florida, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 5

| height_in = 11

| weight_lbs = 210

| high_school = Palm Bay (Melbourne, Florida)

| college = {{ubl|Coffeyville (2003–2004)|Florida (2005–2006)}}

| draftyear = 2007

| draftround = 1

| draftpick = 21

| pastteams = * Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2007}}–{{NFL Year|2009}})

Cincinnati Bengals ({{NFL Year|2010}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
Oakland Raiders ({{NFL Year|2016}}–{{NFL Year|2018}})

| highlights = * Second-team All-Pro (2015)

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 832

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 6.5

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 = 9

| statlabel4 = Pass deflections

| statvalue4 = 101

| statlabel5 = Interceptions

| statvalue5 = 38

| statlabel6 = Defensive Touchdowns

| statvalue6 = 1

| pfr = NelsRe99

}}

Reggie Lee Nelson (born September 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators, winning a national championship and earning consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft and also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders.

Early life

Nelson was born in Melbourne, Florida in 1983.{{Cite web |title=Reggie Nelson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NelsRe99.htm |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He attended Palm Bay High School in Melbourne,databaseFootball.com, Players, [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NelsRe99.htm Reggie Nelson]. Retrieved July 1, 2010. 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.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. 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."[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. 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. 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.[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. 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.

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.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.

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.{{cite news|last=Beard|first=Franz|date=October 8, 2006|url=https://www.gatorcountry.com/florida-gators-football/just_call_reggie_nelson_the_eraser/|title=Just Call Reggie Nelson "The Eraser"|website=gatorcountry.com|access-date=July 3, 2013}}

Professional career

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 11 3/8

| weight = 198

| dash = 4.56

| ten split = 1.62

| twenty split = 2.68

| shuttle = 4.15

| cone drill = 6.67

| vertical = 34.5

| broad ft = 10

| broad in = 6

| bench =

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 33 1/4

| hand span = 8 7/8

| note = All values from NFL Combine/Florida's Pro Day{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/reggie-nelson/32004e45-4c61-7002-eede-023b589dbb7d |title=Reggie Nelson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=February 26, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=5953&DraftYear=2007 |title=Reggie Nelson, Florida, FS, 2007 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |website=draftscout.com |access-date=May 9, 2018}}{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=7741 |title=Reggie Nelson, Combine Results, FS - Florida |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=May 9, 2018}}

}}

=Jacksonville Jaguars=

==2007==

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Nelson in the first round (21st overall) of the 2007 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/draft.htm |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} 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.{{cite web| title=Jaguars sign rookie Nelson| url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80081349/article/jaguars-sign-rookie-nelson| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510051416/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80081349/article/jaguars-sign-rookie-nelson| url-status=dead| archive-date=May 10, 2018| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com| date=July 27, 2007}}

File:Reggie Nelson.jpg

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.{{cite web| title=Spotrac.com: Reggie Nelson contract| url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/oakland-raiders/reggie-nelson-4171/| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=Spotrac.com}}{{cite web| title=Reggie Nelson signs contract!| url=https://www.bigcatcountry.com/2007/7/28/85625/9410| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=bigcatcountry.com| date=July 28, 2007}}

Nelson entered training camp slated as the starting free safety after the departure of Deon Grant in free agency. Longtime starting strong safety Donovin Darius was also cut at the beginning of camp due to a leg injury.{{cite web| title=Jaguars Release Safety Donovin Darius| url=https://www.news4jax.com/news/jaguars-release-safety-donovin-darius| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=news4jax.com| date=June 14, 2007}} Head coach Jack Del Rio officially named Nelson the starting free safety to begin the regular season, along with strong safety Gerald Sensabaugh.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart: 07/01/2007| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/JAX| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}

File:Reggie Nelson Reggie Wayne MNF.jpg of the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.]]

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.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 1-2007: Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2007090912/2007/REG1/titans@jaguars| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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.{{cite web| title=Jaguars Vs. Chiefs- Game Summary-October 7, 2007| url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/game?gameId=271007012| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=ESPN.com| date=October 7, 2007}} 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.{{cite web|title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (career)|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/careerstats|website=NFL.com}} He received an overall grade of 73.2 from Pro Football Focus in 2007.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=mobile.twitter.com}}

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.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2007)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2007| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}}

==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.{{cite web| title=Reggie Nelson Re-Dedicates Himself After Lackluster 2008| url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/190581| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Shanks, Daniel| date=June 8, 2009}} 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).{{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| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716080002/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d80b53f88/article/jaguars-nelson-florence-ruled-out-against-steelers| url-status=dead| archive-date=July 16, 2017| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com| date=October 8, 2008}} 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.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2008)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2008| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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. He earned an overall grade of 47.6 in 2008, marking the lowest grade throughout his career.

==2009==

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker retained Nelson as the starting free safety after former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams departed for the New Orleans Saints.{{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| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=blog.nola.com| author=Triplett, Mike| date=January 7, 2009}} In Week 8, Nelson recorded a season-high seven solo tackles during a 30–13 loss at the Tennessee Titans.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2009)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2009| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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.{{cite web| title=Will Jaguars' Reggie Nelson be demoted?| url=http://www.jacksonville.com/2016-03-11/stub-139| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=Jacksonville.com| author=Wright, Michael| date=December 23, 2009}} Nelson finished the {{NFL Year|2009}} season with 70 combined tackles (64 solo) in 16 games and 14 starts. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 51.8 in 2009.

Throughout training camp in 2010, Nelson competed for a role as a starting safety against Anthony Smith, Gerald Alexander, and Sean Considine.{{cite web| title=Reggie Nelson looks to rebound| url=http://www.staugustine.com/article/20100821/SPORTS/308219968| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=staugustine.com| author=Long, Mark| date=August 21, 2010}}

=Cincinnati Bengals=

==2010==

On September 4, 2010, the Jaguars traded Nelson to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for cornerback David Jones and a conditional draft pick.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?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222083053/http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-trade-corner-for-safety-What-next/29dd7cc1-3b8e-4b35-a318-a342acbb266c |date=December 22, 2015 }}. Retrieved September 5, 2010. Head coach Marvin Lewis named Nelson the backup free safety, behind Chris Crocker, to start the regular season.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2010| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/112/CIN| access-date=May 9, 2010| website=Ourlads.com}}

On October 31, 2010, Nelson earned his first start with the Bengals after Roy Williams and Chinedum Ndukwe were listed as inactive due to knee injuries.{{cite web| title=Injury Report: Dolphins @ Bengals| url=http://assets.dolphinsdigital.com/blog/2010/injury-report-miami-cincinnati| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=assets.dolphinsdigital.com| author=Pugh, Jesse| date=October 29, 2010}} 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.{{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| access-date=May 9, 2018| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Kirkendall, Josh| date=November 22, 2010}} 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. He received an overall grade of 72.0 from Pro Football Focus in 2010.

==2011==

Nelson entered training camp slated as the starting strong safety.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 07/01/2011| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/121/CIN| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}} Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer officially named him the starter to begin the regular season, alongside free safety Chris Crocker.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=Bengals.com| author=Hobson, Jeff| date=September 3, 2011}}{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/04/2011| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/CIN| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}}

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. 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. 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. 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.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 8-2011: Cincinnati Bengals @ Seattle Seahawks| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011103010/2011/REG8/bengals@seahawks| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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. 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. Pro Football Focus gave Nelson an overall grade of 79.9 in 2011.

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.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2011)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2011| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 18-2011: Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2012010700/2011/POST18/bengals@texans| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}

==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.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2012| website=nydailynews.com| author=Mehta, Manish| date=May 17, 2012}} He ultimately declined their offer and chose to accept a similar contract offer by the Bengals.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| author=Ramirez, Miguel}}

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.{{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/| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com| author=Florio, Mike| date=March 21, 2012}}

Head coach Marvin Lewis officially named Nelson the starting free safety to start the 2012 regular season, opposite strong safety Taylor Mays.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2012| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/136/CIN| access-date=May 10, 2012| website=ourlads.com}} In Week 3, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo) during a 38–31 victory at the Washington Redskins. 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.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2012)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2012| access-date=May 10, 2012| website=NFL.com}} 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).{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Kirkendall, Josh| date=November 9, 2012}} 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. Nelson received an overall grade of 88.1 from Pro Football Focus in 2012.

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.

==2013==

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer retained Nelson as the starting free safety to begin the season, alongside strong safety George Iloka.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/05/2013| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/CIN| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}} Nelson was inactive for the Bengals' Week 4 loss at the Cleveland Browns after injuring his hamstring the previous week.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=ESPN.com| author=Harvey, Cooley| date=October 2, 2013}} 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.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2013)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2013| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=ESPN.com}} 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. 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. Nelson earned an overall grade of 82.3 from Pro Football Focus in 2013.

==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.{{cite web| title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 10/01/2014| url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/CIN| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=Ourlads.com}} 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 {{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. He received an overall grade of 82.7 from Pro Football Focus in 2014.

==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.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 8-2015: Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015110102/2015/REG8/bengals@steelers| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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.{{cite web| title=NFL Game Center: Week 10-2015: Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals| url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2015111600/2015/REG10/texans@bengals| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2015)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2015| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}} 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.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=alligatorarmy.com| author=Hutchins, Andy| date=December 24, 2015}} 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. 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.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=bleacherreport.com| date=April 1, 2016}}{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com| author=Claasen, Matt| date=June 12, 2016}}

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.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=sbnation.com| author=Benne, Jon| date=January 9, 2016}} His ankle injury also sidelined him for the Pro Bowl and was replaced by Miami Dolphins' safety Reshad Jones.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=miamiherald.com| author=Beasley, Adam| date=January 25, 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.{{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/| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=floridatoday.com| date=April 6, 2016}} 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.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=cincyjungle.com| author=Howe, Connor| date=March 7, 2016}}

=Oakland Raiders=

==2016==

On April 7, 2016, the Oakland Raiders signed Nelson to a two-year, $8.50 million contract with $4 million guaranteed.{{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 |access-date=April 7, 2016}} 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.{{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| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=silverandblackpride.com| author=Damien, Levi| date=December 21, 2016}} 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. He received an overall grade of 81.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2016.

The Oakland Raiders finished second in the AFC West with a 12–4 record.{{Cite web |title=2016 Oakland Raiders Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rai/2016.htm |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On January 7, 2017, Nelson started in the AFC Wildcard game at the Houston Texans and recorded five solo tackles during their 27–14 loss.{{cite web| title=NFL Player stats: Reggie Nelson (2016)| url=http://www.nfl.com/player/reggienelson/2507167/gamelogs?season=2016| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com}}

==2017==

File:Josh Doctson (36632502803).jpg 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. On December 31, 2017, the Oakland Raiders fired head coach Jack Del Rio after they finished with a 6–10 record.{{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| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101025033/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000901236/article/oakland-raiders-fire-head-coach-jack-del-rio| url-status=dead| archive-date=January 1, 2018| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=NFL.com| date=December 31, 2017}} Pro Football Focus gave Nelson an overall grade of 75.3, which ranked him the 56th among all qualifying safeties in 2017.{{cite web| title=Pro Football Focus: Reggie Nelson| url=https://www.profootballfocus.com/nfl/players/reggie-nelson/3637| access-date=May 10, 2018| website=profootballfocus.com}}

==2018==

On March 24, 2018, the Oakland Raiders signed Nelson to a one-year, $2.50 million contract with $1.15 million guaranteed.{{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=May 31, 2019}} He played in 11 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 5, 2018, with a shoulder injury.{{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}}

NFL career statistics

class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

! colspan="2"| Legend

style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|

| Led the league

Bold

| Career high

=Regular season=

rowspan="2"\| Year !rowspan="2"\| Team !colspan="2"\| Games !colspan="5"\| Tackles !colspan="5"\| Interceptions !colspan="4"\| Fumbles
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2007	JAX \| 16 \|\| 15 \|\| 62 \|\| 57 \|\| 5 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 5 \|\| 76 \|\| 0 \|\| 37 \|\| 11 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2008	JAX \| 13 \|\| 13 \|\| 55 \|\| 49 \|\| 6 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 4 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2009	JAX \| 16 \|\| 14 \|\| 70 \|\| 64 \|\| 6 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 5 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2010	CIN \| 16 \|\| 6 \|\| 55 \|\| 35 \|\| 20 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2 \|\| 63 \|\| 0 \|\| 56 \|\| 7 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2011	CIN \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 85 \|\| 59 \|\| 26 \|\| 2.0 \|\| 4 \|\| 4 \|\| 115 \|\| 1 \|\| 75 \|\| 12 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2012	CIN \| 14 \|\| 14 \|\| 85 \|\| 56 \|\| 29 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 6 \|\| 3 \|\| 10 \|\| 0 \|\| 10 \|\| 9 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2013	CIN \| 15 \|\| 15 \|\| 65 \|\| 49 \|\| 16 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 4 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 7 \|\| 1 \|\| 2 \|\| 12 \|\| 0
2014	CIN \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 95 \|\| 62 \|\| 33 \|\| 1.5 \|\| 5 \|\| 4 \|\| 30 \|\| 0 \|\| 31 \|\| 13 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2015	CIN \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 77 \|\| 52 \|\| 25 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 2 \|\| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"\| 8 \|\| 115 \|\| 0 \|\| 37 \|\| 14 \|\| 0 \|\| 2 \|\| 25 \|\| 0
2016	OAK \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 65 \|\| 50 \|\| 15 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 5 \|\| 74 \|\| 0 \|\| 40 \|\| 12 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2017	OAK \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 89 \|\| 60 \|\| 29 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 3 \|\| 0 \|\| 3 \|\| 5 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2018	OAK \| 11 \|\| 7 \|\| 29 \|\| 25 \|\| 4 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
colspan="2"\|	181	164	832	618	214	6.5	24	38	486	1	75	101	9	6	37	0

=Playoffs=

rowspan="2"\| Year !rowspan="2"\| Team !colspan="2"\| Games !colspan="5"\| Tackles !colspan="5"\| Interceptions !colspan="4"\| Fumbles
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2007	JAX \| 2 \|\| 2 \|\| 9 \|\| 7 \|\| 2 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2011	CIN \| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 6 \|\| 5 \|\| 1 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2012	CIN \| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 10 \|\| 9 \|\| 1 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2013	CIN \| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 4 \|\| 4 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2014	CIN \| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 5 \|\| 4 \|\| 1 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| 6 \|\| 0
2015	CIN \| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 3 \|\| 3 \|\| 0 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2016	OAK \| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 5 \|\| 5 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
colspan="2"\|	8	8	42	37	5	2.0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	6	0

Personal life

Nelson's sister, Lynisha, is a hall of fame 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."[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.

= 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.{{cite web | last=Naqi | first=Kelly | title=OTL: Hernandez role probed in Fla. shooting | website=ESPN.com | date=2013-07-03 | url=https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/9446754/mass-police-investigate-aaron-hernandez-possible-role-2007-gainesville-shooting-according-sources | access-date=2024-12-21}} 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.

References

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}}.