MAMA Class of 1996

DARRIN NELSON

Jump to: [ Award ] [ Bio ] [ Stats ] [ More ]

[ Back to MAMA Home ] [ Back to Hall of Fame ] [ Back to 1996 Inductees ]



In recognition of his mediocre contribution to Minnesota sports


DARRIN NELSON

is hereby inducted into the

Minnesota Assembly of Mediocre Athletes Hall of Fame

on this 29th day of February, 1996

Although at first glance Darrin's statistics may appear above-average, his legacy with the Vikings is deeply rooted in mediocre moments. A quick, undersized runner, Nelson was the best runner on one of the worst running teams in his era. While he did his best to keep his team from the very bottom during the Steckel "era" with his quick cuts and above-average hands, he will also be remembered as keeping his team from the top with the dropped touchdown pass in the 1989 NFC Championship game. Most significantly, however, Darrin's career as a Viking began and ended with two of the most infamous personnel blunders in Minnesota history - the Viking's selection of Nelson over Marcus Allen in the 1982 draft, and the Viking's trade for Herschel Walker in 1989.

Biography

Highlights:
Darrin was the first rookie RB to ever start a season opener for the Vikings.
Darrin retired as the Viking's all-time leader in total yardage, and 5th in rushing yardage.
Named to 1987 all-Madden team.
Named to the Stanford Hall of Fame
Darrin ranked 4th among NFL running backs in 1986 with 53 receptions.

Lowlights:
Dropped a 4th down pass at the goal line that would have sent the Vikes' 1997 NFC Championship game vs Washinton into OT.
Darrin almost spurned the Vikes because Minneapolis didn't have enough discos! (Who's hip now?)

Mediumlights:
retired as the Viking's all-time leader in kickoff return yardage.
Darrin was recognized in this article as having one of the all-time great Thanksgiving-Day performances.

Personal:
Darrin is now the Associate Athletic Director at Stanford.
Despite is legendary distate for cold weather, Darrin is a regular participant in the Viking's Arctic Blast snowmobile event.
Darrin's average talents resurfaced in the 90's as a Viking radio commentator.


Minnesota Statistics

Born: Jan 2, 1959 Sacramento, California
Ht: 5'9" Wgt: 183
Vikings Statistics
Rushing Receiving
Year ATT YDS AVG TDs REC YDS AVG TDs
1982 44 136 3.1 0 9 100 11.1 0
1983 154 642 4.2 1 51 618 12.1 0
1984 80 406 5.1 3 27 162 6.0 1
1985 200 893 4.5 5 43 301 7.0 1
1986 191 793 4.2 4 53 593 11.2 3
1987 131 642 4.9 2 26 129 5.0 0
1988 112 380 3.4 1 16 105 6.6 0
1989 31 124 4.0 0 7 52 7.4 0
*1991 28 210 7.5 2 19 142 7.5 0
1992 10 5 0.5 0 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 981 4231 4.3 18 251 2202 8.8 5

* - Darrin played for San Diego in 1990

Click here for Nelson Links

Post your memories of Darrin on the MAMA Message Board

View the MAMA Message Board

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1