Steve Nelson

Steven Lee Nelson (born April 26, 1951) is an American former professional football player and high school coach. He played as a linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) from 1974 to 1987, after the Patriots selected him in the second round of the 1974 NFL draft out of North Dakota State University. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, in 1980, 1984 and 1985, led the Patriots in tackles in eight of his 14 seasons and finished his career with 1,776 total tackles. His #57 jersey was retired by the Patriots, and he was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 1993.