Shane Nelson - Buffalo Bills Linebacker
May 11, 2009
Hosted by Jeff Nixon
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Guest Information
Episode Description
Shane Nelson (born May 25, 1955 in Mathis, Texas is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for six seasons for the Buffalo Bills. Nelson was discovered at an open trial held by the Dallas Cowboys. He was the only player, out of 1,800, to be offered an NFL contract. However, Nelson rejected Dallas' offer and signed for the Bills where he felt he had more of a chance of playing. Nelson not only beat the odds and made the Bills, but he started every game, totaled 168 tackles and was named to the All-Rookie team. Two seasons later with Buffalo using a 3-4 defensive alignment, he racked up an incredible team record 192 tackles and anchored the middle next to Jim Haslett, who was in his first year. Add another rookie, nose tackle Fred Smerlas, and Western New York became home to its own "Bermuda Triangle".
Jeff Nixon Sports Report
Archives available on VoiceAmerica Sports Channel
Do you want the TRUTH? Can you handle the TRUTH? It’s time to put on your thinking cap and get the answers to all your questions about the NFL. The Jeff Nixon Sports Report will provide analysis of the Buffalo Bill’s games with in depth discussions with current players, retired players and fans regarding what the Buffalo Bills need to do to get back to the Superbowl…and this time win it! Jeff will examine other NFL teams and games. The show will focus on current events that affect both active and retired players including the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NFL Disability and Pension Plans, active player conduct on and off the field, the use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs and other issues that affect active players, retired players and the NFL in general. The show will also highlight the positive things that both active and retired players are doing in their communities.
Jeff Nixon
Jeff Nixon graduated from the University of Richmond where he holds the career record for 23 interceptions at Richmond. He is a three-time All-America selection and was named First Team by five different organizations following his senior year. In 1989, Jeff was inducted into the University of Richmond Hall of Fame.
Jeff was a fourth round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills in 1979. He led the team with six interceptions his rookie season and was named to several all-rookie teams. In 1980 Jeff started the season in dramatic fashion by intercepting three passes against the Miami Dolphins which helped the Bills win the game and end the longest head-to-head team losing streak in NFL history. Jeff was Sports Illustrated's - Defensive Player of the Month in September of 1980. Jeff retired in 1985 and is now living in Buffalo, New York. He is married to recording artist Joyce Wilson-Nixon and together they have 5 children; Charles, Damien, Libran, Jena and Jeff. He is currently the Youth Service Director for the Buffalo Employment and Training Center where he provides jobs, career counseling, work readiness training and employment opportunities to low-income, underprivileged youth.
Jeff has been working on NFL retired player issues and moderates the blog "NFL Retired Players United". He also sits on the Board of Directors for two organizations that are also working on retired players issues: Fourth and Goal and the Retired Football Players Association.