Perseverance prevails as former Hawkeye Matt Nelson returns to the NFL

Nelson found a new home after being out of football last season
Jul 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Nelson (68) blocks during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
Jul 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Nelson (68) blocks during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

Former Hawkeye lineman Matt Nelson had an interesting path to the NFL. During his five seasons in Iowa City, Nelson was a force for the Iowa defensive line.

During his five seasons with the Hawkeyes (2014-2018), Nelson accumulated 110 total tackles (53 solo, 57 assisted), including 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He also added nine pass breakups and three fumble recoveries.

Nelson went undrafted in 2019, but signed with the Detroit Lions as a free agent. Even though he was primarily a defensive lineman at Iowa, Nelson was able to stick with the Lions as a reserve offensive lineman.

With the Lions from 2020 to 2023, Nelson made 43 appearances and earned 14 starts on the offensive line.

He spent four seasons with the Lions before signing with the New York Giants last season. Nelson signed with the Giants in March 2024 before being waived by the team in August as one of the final roster cuts.

After being cut by the Giants, Nelson was out of the league last season.

In May, Nelson joined a new organization and has officially signed a new deal with his new team before the start of the 2025-2026 season.

The Minnesota Vikings announced they signed the veteran lineman to a deal and waived rookie defensive lineman Alexander Williams to clear space for him. Williams was waived with an injury designation.

The Vikings added Nelson as a depth lineman to help protect new signal caller J.J. McCarthy after he returned from a season-ending injury last season.

Nelson is projected to play primarily at right tackle, behind projected starter Brian O'Neill and backup Logan Brown.

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