Free-agent cornerback Steven Nelson doesn’t reminisce warmly about his tenure in Philadelphia. In a recent installment of the Corner Suite podcast, Nelson delved into his experiences with Philadelphia Eagles fans alongside current Eagles cornerback Darius Slay.
Reflecting on his time playing in front of the passionate Eagles crowd, Nelson candidly expressed that it took a toll on his mental well-being.
He recounted moments when he felt he was pitted against the fans rather than solely focusing on the game. “So it got to a point where like, I’m playing against the fans, type of s–t,” Nelson shared. “I ain’t even focused. I have a third down stop, I’m talking s–t to the fans! I’m coming out talking, not even to the opposing team! I went home one day and said ‘Bro, this is not healthy.’ [Laughs] ‘I gotta get outta here.'”
Nelson’s tenure with the Eagles lasted for the 2021 season, during which he made 50 tackles and secured one interception. Despite his efforts, the team finished with a 9-8 record and was eliminated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round.
Following his stint in Philadelphia, Nelson opted for a change of scenery, signing a two-year contract with the Houston Texans. His move paid dividends as he contributed to the team’s advancement to the Divisional Round in the 2023 season.
Given Nelson’s candid remarks, the likelihood of him returning to Philadelphia during free agency seems slim.
The NFL’s free agency window is set to open on March 13 at noon, with teams permitted to commence negotiations with players as early as March 11.
