The Ottawa Redblacks re-signed linebacker Patrick Nelson for the 2023 season. The 26-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, made five tackles in five games in 2022 for the Redblacks.
Ottawa traded for Nelson in July for an unnamed player on the Redblacks negotiation list. Nelson was on the Ticats’ practice squad before being traded to Ottawa.
Collegiately, Nelson played three seasons at the University of Illinois (2015-17). He redshirted his freshman year due to injury and made 140 tackles, 0.5 sack, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 22 games.
Then, Nelson transferred to Southern Methodist (2018-19) with 145 tackles, 13.5 sacks, three interceptions, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 23 games.
In 2019, he was named All-AAC First Team after making 80 tackles, 12 sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 13 games. In addition, he was named American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team in 2018.
