Picasso Nelson facts for kids
| Born: | May 1, 1973 Hattiesburg, Mississippi, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | LB/DB |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| College | Jackson State |
| High school | Hattiesburg (MS) |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1996 | Houston Oilers* |
| 1997 | New York Giants* |
| 1998 | Toronto Argonauts* |
| 1998–1999 | BC Lions |
| 1999–2000 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| *Offseason or practice roster only | |
Picasso Nelson, born on May 1, 1973, is a former American football player. He mainly played as a linebacker, a position where players stop the other team. He played for two seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL). His teams were the BC Lions and the Edmonton Eskimos. Before that, he played college football at Jackson State University. He also spent time with the Houston Oilers, New York Giants, and Toronto Argonauts.
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College Football Career
Picasso Nelson played college football for the Jackson State Tigers. He was a star player from 1992 to 1995. In 1995, he was named the best defensive player in the Southwest Athletic Conference. That year, he made eight interceptions, which is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an opposing player.
He was also chosen to play in special games like the Senior Bowl and the Hula Bowl. These games feature the best college players. In 2009, he was honored for his achievements. He was added to the Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame.
Professional Football Journey
After college, Picasso Nelson tried out for several professional teams.
Early NFL Opportunities
He first signed with the Houston Oilers in April 1996. However, he was released before the 1996 season began. In March 1997, he signed with the New York Giants. He was released by them in August 1997. These were brief periods where he was on the team's practice or offseason roster.
Playing in the CFL
In March 1998, Nelson joined the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. He was released by them in June 1998.
Later that year, in August 1998, he signed with the BC Lions. He played in ten games for the Lions during the 1998 CFL season. He also played in one game during the 1999 season before being released in August 1999.
In September 1999, Nelson signed with the Edmonton Eskimos. He played for them until he was released in February 2000.
Coaching After Playing
After his playing career, Picasso Nelson became a coach. He worked as an assistant coach. He helped guide the team at Jones County Junior College.
Nelson's Family in Football
Picasso Nelson comes from a family of football players. His son, Picasso Nelson, Jr., also played football professionally. He was a cornerback in the NFL and played college football for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.
Nelson Jr.'s cousin, Kenny Shedd, also played in the NFL. Another relative, Eugene Bowen, was a great-uncle who played for the Dallas Cowboys. It seems football runs in their family!
