All American Football Player, Boise State 1947-48
Inducted into the Boise State Hall of Fame in 1983
Nelson was one the key individuals in the birth of the Boise State football tradition. An offensive and defensive tackle, Nelson was a grist team All-American in 1947. He was the first collegiate All-American pick at Boise Junior College and in the state of Idaho. Nelson also has the distinction of being the first and only offensive tackle to call the offensive plays. An outstanding leader, Nelson transferred to the University of Idaho following his stint at BJC. As the captain of the 1947 team, the Broncos went 9-0, which was also the first season for the new head coach Lyle Smith. In 1948, Nelson and the Broncos went undefeated (9-0) for the second straight year. He was the Most Valuable Player in both 1947-1948.