Darrin Nelson is a former American football player who played as a running back and kick returner. He was born on October 7, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas. Nelson played college football at Stanford University, where he was a two-time All-American and set several school records. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
Nelson played for the Vikings for seven seasons, from 1982 to 1989. He was a versatile player who was used as a running back, receiver, and kick returner. He was known for his speed and agility, and he was a key player in the Vikings' offense. Nelson had his best season in 1986, when he rushed for 642 yards and caught 54 passes for 563 yards. He also returned 28 kickoffs for 646 yards.
In 1989, Nelson was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he played for one season. He then signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1990, but he was released before the start of the season. Nelson then signed with the Minnesota Vikings again, where he played for two more seasons before retiring in 1992.
Nelson had a successful career in the NFL, rushing for 4,442 yards and catching 286 passes for 2,559 yards. He scored a total of 25 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1987. He also set several Vikings records, including most receptions in a season by a running back (54) and most career receptions by a running back (286).
After retiring from football, Nelson worked as an executive for the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings. He also served as the athletic director at his alma mater, Stanford University, from 2014 to 2019.
Nelson's football career was not without controversy. In the 1987 NFC Championship Game, he dropped a pass in the end zone that would have given the Vikings the lead over the Washington Redskins. The Vikings lost the game and missed out on a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Nelson received death threats and was criticized by fans and the media for his mistake. However, he remained a respected player and was inducted into the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.
Overall, Darrin Nelson had a successful football career, playing for three different teams and earning accolades for his speed and versatility. He remains a respected figure in the football community and has continued to contribute to the sport in various roles.
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