Born and raised in DeKalb, Illinois, Nelson played scholastically at DeKalb High School, where he earned all-state honors in football, was a star pitcher for the baseball team, and lettered in basketball.[1][2]
Shortly after the Super Bowl, Nelson was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, and sat out the 1987 season. He made an amazing comeback in 1988, regaining his starting job, but injured his ankle in week 2. He returned from the injury in week 9, appearing in 7 more games that season. His Hodgkin's disease returned in 1989, forcing him to sit out yet another season, although he did help to coach the team's offensive line. He announced his retirement on December 13, 1989, saying, "I don't have the push for those five-hour workout days anymore."[1][2]
He also served as a commentator on Giants radio broadcasts.[2]
Nelson went on to work in the financial services industry, and in 1993 published an autobiography, "Life on the Line".[10]
Nelson currently[when?] resides with his wife, Inga, in Northern New Jersey and is an active advocate for various charities. His primary charity is Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon.