Steelers CB Nelson reveals new mindset
way last season. They went at Haden much more often. Haden gave up 42 receptions on 79 targets while Nelson gave up 34 receptions on 66 targets.
Having two lockdown corners is one reason the Steelers defense finished the season among the best in the league in almost every statistical category.
“Joe is my guy,” Nelson said. “We’re like Batman and Robin. Ever since I got to Pittsburgh, he’s been a genuine guy on and off the field. We bounce things off each other. We’re highly competitive guys, and we feed off each other. If he makes a big play, I feel like I have to make a big play.”
Nelson also wants to use his voice more off the field this year. Cities across the country, including Pittsburgh, continue to have demonstrations in the streets after Floyd’s killing last week.
Nelson and Haden have been two of the most active Steelers on social media as they try to shine a light on police brutality and social injustice. Nelson believes it’s important to start a dialogue that will help the country heal.
“That’s the good thing about being a professional athlete,” he said. “We have big platforms to speak out for the people, voice our opinion and thoughts, and just try to create change as best we can. A lot of guys have big followings on social media. That’s a great start to try and spread positivity and love throughout our country because God knows we all need it right now.”
Nelson conducted his Zoom interview with the media one day after Saints quarterback Drew Brees was criticized by players across the league, including his teammates, for his remarks about national anthem protests.
Brees told Yahoo Finance that he will “never agree with anyone disrespecting the flag,” when asked about the potential of players kneeling during the anthem in 2020. Brees apologized Thursday, but the backlash could be felt for some time among his NFL brethren.
“It was rough, man, to see that from a guy like that because he’s very well-respected throughout our league,” Nelson said. “A lot of guys look up to him. His comment was very insensitive to the whole situation. That rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. I’m glad he apologized for it. I don’t really hold grudges. I can’t speak for anyone else. It’s going to be hard to come back from that with everything that’s going on right now.”
The Steelers have continued Zoom meetings with teammates and coaches while other teams have backed off during the protests. Nelson said the issue of kneeling or showing other signs of solidarity has not been specifically discussed, but he said his expectations are to bring positive change in a time when there is so much negativity.
“I do think things always have to get worse before they get better,” he said. “If this is what it takes, if people have to protest or riot or loot, just to send a message; that’s just is what it is. I’m all for positivity and trying to do things the right way. This isn’t just in America. You see protesters all over the world. This is a big deal. If this doesn’t change all of it, this can change a lot of it. And I think that’s good.”