Kyle Nelson


Kyle Nelson is an American football long snapper for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He played college football at New Mexico State University. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2011.

Early years

He attended China Spring High School for his senior year where he started at tight end and was the team's long snapper on special teams.

College career

He played College football at New Mexico State as the backup Tight end, Fullback and Long snapper.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints

On July 27, 2011, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. On September 3, 2011, he was released. On September 4, he was signed to the practice squad. On September 5, he was released from the practice squad.

Kansas City Chiefs

On September 7, 2011, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs to join the practice squad.

San Francisco 49ers

On January 11, 2012, he was signed to a future contract. On September 1, 2012, he was released.

Philadelphia Eagles

On September 25, 2012, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles to join the practice squad. On October 2, 2012, he was released from the practice squad.

San Diego Chargers

On November 20, 2012, he was signed after the team placed Long snapper Mike Windt on the season-ending Injured Reserve due to a wrist injury. During the 2012 season with the Chargers he appeared in six games. He was released from the Chargers in May 2013.

Second stint with 49ers

On May 22, 2013, it was announced Nelson was signed to 49ers for a second stint to compete with Brian Jennings for the Long snapper position. He was later released on July 10, 2013.

Seattle Seahawks

On July 11, 2013, Nelson was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks after releasing Wide receiver Charly Martin. On August 26, 2013, he was cut by the Seahawks.

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins signed Nelson on October 15, 2013 to replace Nick Sundberg, who was put on injured reserve. The Redskins waived him on July 21, 2014.

Third stint with 49ers

On July 25, 2014, Nelson re-signed with the 49ers on a one-year deal. The 49ers signed him to a four-year contract extension on March 6, 2015. On December 4, 2018, Nelson was suspended 10 games for using performance-enhancing substances. He missed the final four games of the season and the suspension carried over to the 2019 season.
On March 12, 2019, Nelson signed a four-year contract extension with the 49ers. After missing the first six games of the 2019 season, he was reinstated from suspension on October 21, 2019, and was activated on October 26. The 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV, but they lost 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Personal life

His grandfather Roger Nelson was selected in the 14th round, 164 overall in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins but played 13 years in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Eskimos. His father, Mark Nelson, also played seven years in the Canadian Football League, and is currently the special team coordinator of the BC Lions.