The B.C. Lions have signed veteran NFL long snapper Kyle Nelson ahead of the 2024 season.
Kyle was born in Norman, Okla. but qualifies as a National after spending much of his childhood in Canada following his dad, long-time CFL coach Mark Nelson. He is also the grandson of Roger Nelson, who played 13 seasons along the offensive line in Edmonton and was enshrined in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
Mark served as defensive coordinator and later linebackers coach for the Ottawa Redblacks from 2014 to 2019, serving under current Lions’ head coach Rick Campbell. He worked as a guest coach for B.C. during training camp in 2022 and is currently employed by Saint Mary’s University.
Kyle began his NFL career in 2011 as an undrafted free agent, spending time with 10 different franchises. He first saw action in six games with the San Diego Chargers in 2012 and enjoyed an 11-game stint with Washington in 2013, before finally catching on full-time with the San Francisco 49ers in his fourth campaign.
From 2014 to 2020, the six-foot-two, 240-pound snapper appeared in 89 games for the Niners and recorded 16 combined tackles. He also suited up for the team in Super Bowl LIV, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. Following his release in September 2020, Nelson played his last NFL game with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, while logging unsuccessful stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams.
The now-37-year-old specialist played collegiately at New Mexico State University, where he also saw action at tight end. In 50 games for the Aggies, he hauled in 66 receptions for 559 yards and two touchdowns while adding 18 total tackles.
The Lions will open their 2024 regular season on Sunday, June 9 when they visit the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field.
