Introduction
Michael Craig Nelms (born April 8, 1955) is a former American football defensive back and kick returner in the National Football League (NFL) who played five seasons with the Washington Redskins from 1980 to 1984. Before his NFL career, Nelms played in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Baylor University.
College career
Mike Nelms began his college career at Sam Houston State in 1973.
Professional career
Nelms began his professional career after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills. He was the last cut in training camp. He then signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL in 1977. Later that year, he was optioned to the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Nelms is a three time Pro Bowler in 1980, 1981 and 1982. He led the NFL in yards per kickoff return twice (1981, 1982) and was the Redskins starting punt returner in Super Bowl XVII. In Super Bowl XVII, he returned six punts for 52 yards, both Super Bowl records, along with two kickoff returns for 44 yards.
Nelms finished his five seasons with 175 kickoff returns for 4,128 yards, 212 punt returns for 1,948 yards and two touchdowns, and one interception in 68 games.
After Football
Mike used to own Champion Chevrolet Toyota in Culpeper, Virginia. His son, Kirkland, received a scholarship to play at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Nelms also has three daughters, who each went on to play collegiate athletics, including Kurstin Nelms, who ran track for Columbia University.