FOOTBALL

Remembering Bill Nelsen

Bill Nelsen, one of the most underappreciated USC quarterbacks, died in April. He was 78.

I don’t recall any announcements but he deserves recognition.

Nelsen led the Trojans in total offense in 1960-61 and helped lead an upset of UCLA in in John McKay’s first season. He also played in 1962 when USC won a national title. But Nelsen often took a back seat to Pete Beathard.

Nelsen was just a 10th-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But his career took off in 1968, when he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. He went 9-2 in 1968 and led the Browns to the playoffs. Nelson made the Pro Bowl in 1969 and Cleveland went 10-3-1. Nelsen also led the Browns to the playoffs in 1971.

He finished his NFL career with 14,165 yards passing and 98 TDs. The Cleveland Plain Dealer named Nelsen one of the top 100 Browns of all-time in 2012 (No. 52).

He later joined McKay as an assistant coach in Tampa Bay for six seasons.

In the photo below, Nelsen (left), George Van Vliet and Marlin McKeever admire the Victory Bell on November 22, 1960.

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8 thoughts on “Remembering Bill Nelsen”

      1. During Bill’s career, the Trojans won 2 out of 3 against ucla.

        Only in westwood is winning 1 out of 3 considered a great accomplishment.

        Or then again, perhaps our troll owns is confused. Wouldn’t be the first time.

        Liked by 3 people

    2. I’ve been meaning to ask you — did your mother ever forgive you father for not using a rubber the night you were conceived? Just curious, ass-clown.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. When Nelson was drafted by Pittsburgh it was akin to FB in Siberia.

      I watched Nelson play for the Browns, then an NFL powerhouse, and was impressed. He was a no choke, competitive team leader/winner.

      I rather agree with 22 that Nelson is at least the #1 or #2 competitive, former bozo u, NFL QB.

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. You are a frickin asshole. Go dig yourself a grave or will you decompose
        before burial. Your such a dumb shit! Get yourself out of the basement
        and let’s meet face to face .

        Liked by 1 person

      2. …here’s the little boy – got caught stealing and now wants to make nice because of the well-deserved outrage at his vitriol and bile….

        You ‘…watched Nelson play for the Browns, then an NFL powerhouse, and was impressed. He was a no choke, competitive team leader/winner.”? No what you did was hurriedly read Scott’s additional information and throw that in to make amends. Go back and polish Wooden’s replica commode

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