Steven Nelson: Playing in Front of Eagles Fans Was ‘Not Good’ for My Mental Health

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 13: Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson (21) lines up for the scrimmage in the first quarter during the AFC Wild Card game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on January 13, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Free-agent cornerback Steven Nelson does not look back on his time in Philadelphia too fondly.

During a recent episode of the Corner Suite podcast, Nelson discussed Philadelphia Eagles fans with current Eagles cornerback Darius Slay. Nelson explained that playing in front of the Eagles fans was “not good” for his mental health.

“So it got to a point where like, I’m playing against the fans, type of s–t,” Nelson said. “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 spent one season with the Eagles in 2021, making 50 tackles and recording one interception. The team went 9-8 and fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round.

He then signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans and helped the team reach the Divisional Round in the 2023 season.

His comments suggest that a reunion in Philadelphia is unlikely when he hits free agency.

The NFL free agency window opens on March 13 at noon, with teams being able to begin negotiating with players on March 11.

Author: Health Watch Minute

Health Watch Minute Provides the latest health information, from around the globe.