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Philip Nelson (American football)

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Philip Nelson
refer to caption
Nelson with Minnesota in 2013
No. 9
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1993-09-11) September 11, 1993 (age 31)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:222 lb (101 kg)
Career information
High school:Mankato (MN) West
College:East Carolina
Minnesota
Undrafted:2017
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Stats at Pro Football Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Philip Nelson (born September 11, 1993) is a former American football quarterback. He played for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019, and the Dallas Renegades of the XFL in 2020.

Early life

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Nelson attended Mankato West High School in Mankato, Minnesota. There he was a standout member of the football team, setting several state records on his way to winning the 2011 Minnesota Mr. Football Award.[1] He is the son of Pat and Norma Nelson.

College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Philip Nelson
QB 		Mankato, Minnesota Mankato West High School 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 213 lb (97 kg) 4.48 Feb 19, 2011 
Star ratings: Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 46 (QB)   Rivals: 15 (QB), 2 (MN)  ESPN: 94 (QB), 188 (Regional), 7 (MN)
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Minnesota Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  • "Minnesota College Football Recruiting Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  • "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  • "2012 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved December 11, 2012.

Nelson was scouted by Football Bowl Subdivision scouts during his junior year in high school. It was originally perceived that Nelson would be a very sought-after recruit during his senior year by numerous Big Ten schools and was highly regarded by recruiting expert Tom Lemming.[2] Nelson conducted initial visits to a handful of schools to include Iowa State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.[3]

Upon visiting Minnesota in December 2010, Nelson received his first scholarship offer from Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill. Nelson committed to Minnesota on February 19, 2011.[4][5]

College career

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Minnesota

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On October 20, 2012, Nelson's redshirt was pulled after struggling starter MarQueis Gray[6] was injured the week before. Nelson's first game of his collegiate career came against the Wisconsin Badgers.[7] The Gophers lost the game but Nelson passed for two touchdowns and was also the Gophers' leading rusher in the game. Nelson started the final seven games as a true freshman at Minnesota going 2–5 and the Gophers were invited to a bowl game for the first time since 2009. They lost in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas to Texas Tech 34–31 on December 28, 2012.[8]

In Nelson's sophomore season, he endured peaks and valleys as the starting quarterback. He played in 12 games and led the Gophers to a 4–0 record at the beginning of the season. A hamstring injury against Iowa hampered Nelson's ability to be effective against the Hawkeyes. The Gophers lost 23–7.[9] The next week against Michigan, back up quarterback Mitch Leidner took most of the reps but the Gophers were dismantled 42–13. Now on a losing streak and with ailing coach Jerry Kill watching from a private box, the Gophers hoped to get back on track against Northwestern. Leidner was replaced by a healthy Nelson in the first half of that game and the Gophers hung on for a 20–17 victory.[10] Nelson would start the next four games and lead the Gophers to three signature victories over No. 24 ranked Nebraska,[11] Indiana, and Penn State. The last two games of the season saw Nelson and Leidner split snaps as the team lost to Michigan State and then Syracuse in the Texas Bowl on December 28, 2013.[12]

Rutgers

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On January 16, 2014, Nelson announced he was transferring from Minnesota; he would still have two years to play for a new team.[13] On January 29, 2014, Nelson transferred to Rutgers. On May 13, 2014, he was dismissed from Rutgers[14] following assault charges leading to a guilty plea for a fifth degree misdemeanor.

East Carolina

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In August 2015, Nelson walked on at East Carolina after soliciting interest from other teams.[15] After winning the starting quarterback job, Nelson and the Pirates started the season 2–0 with wins against in-state rivals, Western Carolina and NC State. Nelson threw a combined six touchdown passes and ran for one score in those two matchups. However, following a loss with South Carolina the next week, the ECU squad would only win one more game the rest of the season.

After the season came to a close, Nelson was invited to participate in the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Nelson was named the National team's MVP as he led his squad on a 14-play scoring drive in the opening series of the game.

College statistics

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Season Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2012 7 7 2−5 75 152 49.3 873 5.7 8 8 104.4 69 184 2.7 0
2013 12 9 5−4 94 186 50.5 1,306 7.0 9 6 119.0 93 364 3.9 6
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2014 Dismissed from team before season
East Carolina Pirates
2015 Did not play due to transfer rules
2016 10 10 3−7 237 349 67.9 2,621 7.5 16 8 141.5 62 57 0.9 2
Career[16] 29 26 10−16 406 687 59.1 4,800 7.0 33 22 127.2 224 605 2.7 8

Professional career

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers

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In January 2018, Nelson signed with the Canadian Football League's Winnipeg Blue Bombers to compete for the fourth-string backup quarterback position. He was cut from the team in May before training camp.[17]

San Diego Fleet

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In the third round of the inaugural AAF QB Draft, Nelson was picked by the San Diego Fleet with the eighth selection.[18]

Nelson began the 2019 AAF season as the Fleet's second-string quarterback behind Mike Bercovici. After Bercovici struggled for much of the season opener against the San Antonio Commanders, Nelson relieved him late in the game, completing 5 of 10 passes for 68 yards and an interception in the 15–6 loss. Nelson was eventually named the starter for the following week's game against the Atlanta Legends.[19] In his first start against the Atlanta Legends, he completed 14 of 30 passes for 142 and an interception as the Fleet won 24–12.[20] The following week's matchup against the Commanders saw Nelson throw an interception on the first play before rebounding with two touchdown passes in a 31–11 San Diego victory.[21] During the fourth game against the Memphis Express, Nelson threw a touchdown before exiting in the second quarter with a shoulder injury; he was replaced by Alex Ross as the Fleet fell 26–23.[22][23] The injury, later revealed to be a clavicle fracture, sidelined Nelson for the next month,[24] and he was eventually placed on injured reserve.[25] The league ceased operations in April 2019.[26]

Dallas Renegades

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Nelson was taken by the Dallas Renegades with the 52nd pick of the 2020 XFL Draft.[27] Nelson started in a week 1 15–9 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks following an injury to starting quarterback Landry Jones.[28] Nelson started again in a week 5 30–12 loss to the New York Guardians after another injury to starting quarterback Landry Jones.[29] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[30]

Montreal Alouettes

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Nelson signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL on January 22, 2021.[31] He was released before the start of the regular season on May 27.[32]

Professional statistics

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Year League Team Games Passing Rushing Sacked Fumbles
GP GS Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rate Att Yds Avg TD Sck SckY FUM Lost
2019 AAF SD 4 3 45 77 58.4 513 6.7 3 3 75.3 16 82 5.1 0 N/A N/A 1 1
2020 XFL DAL 3 2 62 94 66.0 439 7.1 0 3 63.2 6 25 4.2 0

Source:[33][34]

Assault charges

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Nelson was charged with first- and third-degree assault for kicking former Minnesota State Mankato football player Isaac Kolstad in the head during the early morning hours of May 11, 2014, after a night of underage drinking.[35] The argument allegedly involved conversation surrounding a bar bouncer hitting on Nelson's girlfriend.[36] Other people around the area reported that Nelson allegedly kicked Kolstad while he was unconscious, following being punched by a third party, Trevor Shelley. Shelley, also facing first- and third-degree assault charges, told police he did not hit Kolstad.[36] Kolstad was left unable to breathe on his own following significant destruction of brain tissue and underwent surgeries.[37] Surveillance video of the fight shows Kolstad throwing the first punch, knocking Nelson to the ground.[38][39] The fight lasted eight seconds.[40] Nelson, age 20, and Kolstad were both intoxicated, according to police.[41] Kolstad's injuries included a skull fracture, brain shifting, brain bleeding and lung deterioration due to lack of oxygen.[36] Kolstad moved home with his wife and two daughters in 2014 but have since divorced.[40] Kolstad suffered permanent brain damage.[42][43]

Nelson pleaded guilty to lesser charges and reached a civil settlement with Kolstad in 2018.[44]

References

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  1. ^ Chad Courrier (December 11, 2011). "Mankato West's Philip Nelson named Mr. Football". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  2. ^ "MaxPreps Lemming Report: Philip Nelson named National Sleeper of the Year". MaxPreps.com. December 2011.
  3. ^ "Abandoning Bucky: Philip Nelson's U-turn to Minnesota | StarTribune.com". www.startribune.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2012.
  4. ^ "Philip Nelson". www.rivals.com. Yahoo!. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  5. ^ "Philip Nelson". www.scout.com. MSN. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  6. ^ "GOPHERSPORTS.COM MarQueis Gray Bio :: University of Minnesota Official Athletic Site :: Football". www.gophersports.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  7. ^ Polzin, Jim. "Badgers football: Philip Nelson solid in debut as Minnesota QB, but dad's alma mater wins". madison.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  8. ^ Sandritter, Mark (December 29, 2012). "2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas final score: Texas Tech wins on game-ending field goal". SBNation.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  9. ^ "Iowa Dismantles Minnesota 23–7 – Nelson, Gophers Struggle Against Physical Hawkeyes". GopherHole.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  10. ^ "Minnesota vs. Northwestern – Game Recap – October 19, 2013 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  11. ^ "Nebraska vs. Minnesota – Game Recap – October 26, 2013 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  12. ^ "Syracuse vs. Minnesota – Game Recap – December 27, 2013 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  13. ^ "Gophers QB Philip Nelson announces that he's transferring". Star Tribune.
  14. ^ "QB Philip Nelson kicked off Rutgers football team following assault charges". NJ.com. May 13, 2014.
  15. ^ "Ex-Rutgers quarterback Philip Nelson lands at East Carolina as a walk-on". NJ.com. August 7, 2015.
  16. ^ "Philip Nelson". sports-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  17. ^ Hubson, Ross (May 10, 2018). "Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign 5 players, release QB". Global News Canada. Retrieved June 20, 2018.
  18. ^ Wilson, Ryan (November 27, 2018). "Alliance of American Football QB Draft: Aaron Murray, Christian Hackenberg highlight QBs taken". CBSSports.com. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  19. ^ Kratch, James (February 10, 2019). "Ex-Rutgers QB named new Alliance of American Football starter after team's ugly 1st game". NJ.com. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  20. ^ Schrotenoer, Brent (February 18, 2019). "Pro football returns to San Diego: Here's what it's like at an AAF Fleet game". USA Today. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  21. ^ "San Diego Fleet Defeat Commanders to Avenge Season Opener". KNSD. February 24, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  22. ^ Gordon, Grant (March 2, 2019). "Mike Singletary, Express notch first AAF victory". National Football League. Archived from the original on March 5, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  23. ^ Kercheval, Ben (March 2, 2019). "AAF Week 4 scores, highlights, updates: Express complete comeback, Apollos win in the snow". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  24. ^ Kercheval, Ben (March 4, 2019). "AAF 2019: San Diego Fleet quarterback Philip Nelson out at least a month with fractured clavicle". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  25. ^ Gartin, Zachary (March 4, 2019). "San Diego Fleet Make a Flurry of Roster Moves in Response to Injuries". East Village Times. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  26. ^ Wickersham, Seth; Rothstein, Michael (June 13, 2019). "Inside the short, unhappy life of the Alliance of American Football". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  27. ^ Bender, Bill (October 21, 2019). "XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league". Sporting News. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
  28. ^ "Dallas Renegades' loss to St. Louis BattleHawks was a disappointment in what was a positive opening weekend for the XFL". Dallas News. February 10, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  29. ^ "Photos: Renegades' home losing streak continues after loss to Guardians". Dallas News. March 8, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  30. ^ Condotta, Bob (April 10, 2020). "XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue". SeattleTimes.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  31. ^ "Alouettes ink quarterbacks Philip Nelson and Broc Rutter". MontrealAlouettes.com. January 22, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  32. ^ "05/27: Alouettes Transactions". MontrealAlouettes.com. May 27, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
  33. ^ "Alliance of American Football". aaf.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  34. ^ "XFL Live Stats". stats.xfl.com. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
  35. ^ "Cops say Rutgers QB Philip Nelson was upset over bouncer flirting with girlfriend". NJ.com. May 13, 2014.
  36. ^ a b c FOX. "Home – KMSP". KMSP. Archived from the original on June 22, 2014.
  37. ^ Perez, A.J. (May 18, 2014). "Victim in alleged assault involving former Rutgers QB Philip Nelson had portion of brain removed". nj.com. nj.com. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  38. ^ FOX. "Home – KMSP". KMSP. Archived from the original on December 28, 2014.
  39. ^ "Isaac Kolstad's 'sucker punch' started Mankato fight, lawyer says". TwinCities.com. November 30, 2014.
  40. ^ a b "Isaac Kolstad, victim in alleged assault by ex-Rutgers QB Philip Nelson, has made significant progress". NJ.com. December 20, 2014.
  41. ^ McKinney, Matt (January 20, 2015). "Isaac Kolstad: 'I can feel myself getting better'". Star Tribune. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  42. ^ "Former Mankato linebacker Isaac Kolstad defying the odds on the road to recovery". FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. May 20, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  43. ^ Goodrich, Kristine (August 3, 2017). "Settlement proposals reached with 2 defendants in Kolstad civil suit". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  44. ^ Goodrich, Kristine (January 11, 2018). "Final settlement tentatively reached in Kolstad civil suit". Mankato Free Press. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
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