Playing in Philadelphia is not for the faint of heart.
Philadelphia sports fans are notorious for their passionate and sometimes unforgiving nature, and former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Steven Nelson recently revealed that their treatment played a significant role in his decision to leave the team.
Nelson began his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs before spending time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021, he joined the Eagles on a one-year deal and started every game, contributing solidly alongside Darius Slay in the secondary. However, despite his on-field performance, Nelson opted to sign with the Houston Texans after his lone season in Philadelphia.
While a pay increase with the Texans may have been expected, Nelson admitted on The Corner Suite podcast that the treatment he received from Eagles fans was a key factor in his departure. He explained that constant booing and harassment from fans took a toll on his mental health, causing him stress and distraction during games.
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“Philly is the only place I played at where you can hear them talking; “Trade him! What is #3 doing? Get him the f— out of here? Why is #3 on the team?
Have you ever seen a home crowd boo you?… I learned quick. I said, ‘Oh yeah, I got to get out of here. It’s not good for my mental health. I’m stressed out’…
It got to a point where, like, I’m playing against the fans. I ain’t even focused. I have a third down stop, I’m talking s— to the fans! I’m coming out talking, not even to the opposing team!
Nelson emphasized that it wasn’t solely the fans’ behavior that led to his decision; he also cited a preference for a different lifestyle, as well as a desire to be closer to nature. However, the negative experience with Philadelphia fans played a significant role in his ultimate decision to leave.
Reflecting on his time in Philadelphia, Nelson described how he felt as though he was playing against the fans rather than focusing on the game. He expressed frustration at being heckled and criticized by those who should have been supporting him, ultimately realizing that the situation was detrimental to his well-being.
In light of Nelson’s candid remarks, it’s evident that his decision to leave Philadelphia was based on a combination of factors, including the challenging environment created by the passionate fanbase.
While some may criticize his choice, it’s important to recognize the impact that mental health and personal well-being can have on an athlete’s career decisions.
