14 Facts About Bill Nelsen

William Keith Nelsen was an American professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League.

Bill Nelsen played college football for the USC Trojans before playing professionally for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.

Bill Nelsen was known for his leadership and willingness to play with pain, enduring a series of knee injuries during the course of his career.

Bill Nelsen later served as an assistant coach with four NFL teams.

Bill Nelsen was drafted in the 10th round of the 1963 NFL draft by the Steelers, but saw limited action during his first two seasons.

In 1965, new head coach Mike Nixon gave Bill Nelsen the starting job.

Originally scheduled to be out of the lineup for six weeks, Bill Nelsen did not return until the season's 12th week.

On May 14,1968, Bill Nelsen was traded, along with defensive back Jim Bradshaw, to the Browns.

In game two of the 1970 NFL season, Bill Nelsen took yet another hit to his knees in a September 27 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

In 1971, Bill Nelsen led the Browns to four wins in their first five games, but another mid-season slump relegated him to the bench for one game.

Unlike the previous year Bill Nelsen led the team to five straight victories to again reach the playoffs.

Weeks after the conclusion of the season, Bill Nelsen underwent his fifth knee operation and announced his retirement.

Bill Nelsen resigned that position following the dismissal of head coach Marion Campbell.

Bill Nelsen spent the next six seasons in that role until being fired amid reports of conflict with Buccaneers quarterback Doug Williams and McKay.