Steelers' Steve (not 'Steven') Nelson debuts vs. ex-team

Pittsburgh Steelers rosters distributed by the team in the Heinz Field press box Saturday referred to the starting cornerback the team signed in March as Steve Nelson.

When the team signed him — and through Saturday on its official website — the former Kansas City Chiefs defensive back was and is referred to as “Steven Nelson.”

“It’s always been Steve,” Nelson said. “My name’s Steven, but I go by Steve.

“Call me Steve, man. My mama called me Steven.”

OK, then.

On the field, the five-year veteran Nelson made his preseason debut. He started and played three series in the Steelers’ 17-7 victory against his ex-teammates.

“It was awesome,” Nelson said. “To suit up and with a new team and new atmosphere, man, definitely even playing against my old team, it was fun. Good experience.”

Kevin Gorman: CB Steven Nelson navigates into Steelers’ starting lineup | https://t.co/hVDbdnrrke https://t.co/bGJuJrXGRX

— Kevin Gorman (@KGorman_Trib) August 2, 2019

Nelson has flown somewhat under the radar for a player who signed the biggest contract for an unrestricted free agent coming from another organization in franchise history (three years, $25.5 million). Teaming him with Joe Haden gives the Steelers a pair of veteran cornerbacks they believe they can count on.

Nelson was credited with one tackle Saturday. That the Chiefs — who led the NFL in points and yards last season — managed zero points and 36 yards over their first three series was a positive.

“It was definitely on point,” Nelson said of the defense. “We got (punts) off the bat. We had a turnover, so everybody was on point.”

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