The First Round Pick Who REFUSED to Play for the Vikings

Prior to the 1982 NFL Draft, Stanford RB Darrin Nelson wrote a letter to the Minnesota Vikings, begging the team not to draft him because he didn't want to play in Minnesota. Sure enough, the Vikings drafted him. This is the story behind the drama, including the reasons that Nelson didn't want to play there, and how his NFL career played out afterwards
LINK TO PATREON: / jaguargator9
Get early access to videos, your name featured in the credits, and the ability to request future video topics by joining today for as low as $3!
LINK TO TWITCH: / jaguargator9_nfl
Play live NFL trivia every Tuesday night at 9 PM Eastern/6 PM Pacific with the chance to win cash prizes!
Check out the video below to learn more: • WEEKLY LIVE NFL TRIVIA...
LINK TO DISCORD: / discord
LINK TO TIK TOK: vm.tiktok.com/ZMJmVTKpr/
See videos like this condensed down to 60 seconds by following JaguarGator9 on Tik Tok!
SUBSCRIBE TO 60 SECOND NFL HISTORY: / @jaguargator8
See videos like this condensed down to 60 seconds by subscribing to 60 Second NFL History on KZbin!
#nfl #nfldraft #vikings #nflthrowback
Darrin Nelson is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers. He played college football at Stanford University.
Nelson attended Pius X High School. He accepted a football scholarship from Stanford University to play under head coach Bill Walsh.
In his first year, he was named the starter and became the first freshman running back in conference history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season. He registered 183 carries for 1,069 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 50 receptions for 524 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns.
As a sophomore, he posted 167 carries for 1,061 yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 50 receptions for 446 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.
In 1979, he was lost for the season with a hamstring injury. As a junior, he had 161 carries for 889 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 47 receptions for 552 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.
As a senior, he collected 192 carries for 1,014 yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 67 receptions for 846 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.
Nelson was a dual threat as a rusher and receiver, becoming the first player in NCAA history to rush for more than 1,000 yards and catch more than 50 passes in one season. He accomplished this feat three times. He finished his college career with the school records for rushing yards (4,033), receptions (214), touchdowns (40), scoring (242 points), while also setting the NCAA record with 6,885 career all-purpose yards.
He was inducted into the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Nelson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (7th overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he experienced a strike-shortened season that was reduced to 9 games, finishing second on the team to Ted Brown with 136 rushing yards.
As a running back, Nelson was a threat as both a runner and as receiver out of the backfield, though he is perhaps best known for dropping the game-tying touchdown on 4th down in the closing moments of the 1987 NFC Championship Game. In 1988, he missed three games with an injury.
In 1989, he staged an acrimonious contract holdout and lost his starting position to D.J. Dozier. On October 12, Nelson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys as part of the Herschel Walker Trade. At the time he had appeared in 5 games as a backup, registering 67 carries for 321 yards and 38 receptions for 380 yards.
On October 17, 1989, after refusing to report to Dallas, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for a fifth round draft choice (#116-Reggie Thornton). He was the third-string running back behind Marion Butts and Tim Spencer. On September 3, 1990, he was released and later re-signed. He was the fourth-string running back during that season.
Darrin Nelson played for the following teams:
1982 Vikings
1983 Vikings
1984 Vikings
1985 Vikings
1986 Vikings
1987 Vikings
1988 Vikings
1989 Vikings
1989 Chargers
1990 Chargers
1991 Vikings
1992 Vikings
Darrin Nelson caught touchdowns from Tommy Kramer and Wade Wilson

[@greggergen9104]

You missed the most important fact: Head Coach Bud Grant sent a telegram to Darrin Nelson: "Darrin you have it all wrong, it is not a County Western state it's Polka."

[@papadopp3870]

Lol! Yeah. That’d do it for a Stanford guy!

[@VikingJeff]

Nelson never got enough carries to put up big numbers. They were more of a dink and dunk passing team at the time. I met him after a game in Tampa and told him he should be getting more carries and he just laughed and said "You think so?". Very underrated in my opinion.

[@davidgolinsky]

Vikings always seem to wreck good players and keep them from being great.

[@ragnarskollnation3073]

@@davidgolinsky I see it the other way around we develop great players who leave or become un desirables

[@davidgolinsky]

@@ragnarskollnation3073 if they come here good or great we wreck them or like you say we develop them into good or great players, they leave or become undesirables

[@someperson8151]

Herschel Walker

[@DarthVader1977]

@@someperson8151 Exactly.

[@F.W.ENDER.75]

If the Vikings draft Marcus Allen....The trade with Dallas never happens....What if????

[@wholesomecomment45]

And if that never happens, the Cowboys might not end up with 3 SB titles in the 90s, Troy might not become a HOF because of that, Emmit Smith probably doesn't end up with Dallas and doesn't become the the all time rushing yards leaders, Jimmy Johnson might not even have been inducted in the HOF as well. The Buffalo Bills could legit have had a ring or maybe Steve Young's 49ers win more than 1 SB..... Holy shit the amount of changes that could happen!

[@deanladue3151]

Allen also told the Vikings that he wouldn't play for them. So they settled on Nelson.

[@danarnett9660]

At the time, I absolutely loved the Nelson pick…Allen was evaluated as a run only back and Nelson was going to be the perfect fit and was going to catch 50 balls per year… What if’s good and what if’s bad…it’s why we love the draft,

[@daviddeking2676]

While Darrin Nelson isn't in the same class as Marcus Allen, he was a perfect fit with the Vikings and solidified a what had been a very weak running game. Add in his ability to catch the ball and he had a solid career for the Vikings. He also became a fan favorite and the locals appreciated him staying on in the Twin Cities after his retirement.

[@myride7216]

Marcus was the right and only choice.

[@redman0901]

the joke around MN is that darrin nelson ran more yards across the field than down it.

[@ryancarruth6487]

I second that!

[@fraz72]

Lol 😂😂😂

[@CTubeMan]

Nelson was traded to Dallas in the Herschel Walker deal, but refused to report there. He was traded to the Chargers, and the Vikings sent the Cowboys an extra sixth round pick.

[@camilocienfuegos2866]

Thanks for sharing that, I always had assumed JJ just planned to cut him! I didn't realize Nelson refused to report...he really did come to love Minnesota! lol

[@MGAF688]

And then Darrin Nelson returned to Minnesota soon after.

[@deanladue3151]

A lot of fans never forgot about Nelson dropping the pass at the goal line in the NFC Championship in Washington.

[@lenarrowseller2419]

I don't blame him, Dallas sucks.

[@deanladue3151]

@@MGAF688 I think he spent a couple seasons with the Chargers before returning to the Vikings.

[@arizonawrestlinginterviews1040]

This is one of the best videos you've ever done! Good job JG9!

[@thescatman5029]

Elway and Bo had baseball as leverage. Eli had his father's pull! Darrin Nelson had none of that!

[@williamivery1809]

You are absolutely correct.

[@thejman8734]

His dad had no pull

[@gdelorien]

@@williamivery1809 1111q111111111111111111q1111111 11 1 11 1111 11 11¹¹11¹ 11 11 11 11 11 11 ¹ 11 11¹q1

[@Jefff72]

Didn't SD & NY plan to swap Eli & Philip Rivers before the draft? It worked out for both.

[@Mell0Dom]

I absolutely love your channel. Not the same old sports channel something different. You make videos about stuff thats been forgotten. You can’t even find footage of a lot of stuff you mention. Thank you

[@CZECHMATE650]

THIS CHANNEL HAS THE BEST FOOTBALL STORIES & FACTS. (period)

[@totallydougie9386]

Love you're channel, bud. Great ideas and we'll made videos. You realized that rabid football fans love the minutiae of it. Now you have a seemingly endless well of content. It's fun to see some of these 80's names I forgot about.

[@raymondhoagland4976]

Always liked Darrin Nelson with the Vikes, he played well while he was there 💜

[@chriskay1449]

Except for when he dropped the GW TD pass that would have sent them to the Super Bowl.

[@emptyhand777]

@@chriskay1449 - that TD and extra point only would have tied the game. Edit: knowing the Vikings they would have missed the extra point.

[@justyourlocalbernana1823]

To the two replies: Mad Viking Fan Grumbling...

[@christopherowens6391]

It's funny that Nelson played with Elway at Stanford, and Elway didn't want to go to the Colt's either!

[@mikeziegler7008]

But Elway had an ace up his sleeve... he could also have played MLB. Everyone hated him for using that leverage but, in the end, he was right.

[@deanladue3151]

Robert Irsay was the reason why, John and his father couldn't stand him.

[@W7Productions]

A lifelong Vikings fan, I loved watching Darrin Nelson play. I always thought the Vikings could have utilized his talent better than they did and the running back by committee approach in Minnesota was not successful. Darrin Nelson's best ever game? Thanksgiving 1987 against Dallas. He shredded the Cowboys much in the same way Randy Moss did on Thanksgiving 1998. Nelson's dropped pass was tough (I was 16) and heartbreaking but I'm still not certain he would have scored had he made the catch. I never thoughtt that play defined him and I would never label him as a bust. He was an exciting back to watch and I enjoyed when he had a chance to show his talent.

[@ckobo84]

The drop vs the Redskins was actually Anthony Carter's fault. AC's job on the play was to clear out and take Darrell Green out of the play. But Carter didnt trust the play and went rogue bringing Green right into the play where Darrin Nelson sensed him coming. The play design was actually perfect and Darrin Nelson would have been wide open for an easy touchdown if Carter doesn't bring Green into the play.

[@CIF-pm7tk]

that was well done! thank you

[@marcmccourt843]

Hmm! I never knew they passed on Marcus Allen to draft Darrin Nelson! Typical Vikings move!

[@KMcNally117]

"Don't draft me, I won't play for you." Vikings: Bet. "Damn I fold." Good poker face Darrin.

[@quietcorner293]

If it was me, "I won't play for you! How much? Where do I sign?"

[@ericstrattendgtmy]

Disco Darrin did the best he could for us behind a nickel/dime offensive line, lame offensive line coach’s and strength and conditioning coach’s. “Football basically is a game of blocking and tackling. The team that does it the best generally wins”.

[@SimuLord]

In all of football history, running backs are only as good as the O-line blocking for them. Put Emmitt Smith behind that early-80s Vikings line and he doesn't crack four yards a carry. Half the reason Barry Sanders had such an eye-popping career was because he was elusive enough to turn broken plays into big plays. If Detroit's O-line was any good, Sanders wouldn't have had to run around like a madman keeping the play alive. You can get a good enough RB in the sixth round if you put him behind good enough blockers.

[@noquetzah7775]

I’ll never forget that 1987 NFC championship game. The drop!!!!

[@Zoyx]

Well, I give the defense some credit on that. Plus there is no guarantee he crosses the goal line if he catches it.

[@chrisfranco6603]

He was in the end zone if he catches it. His knee is down on the ground in the end zone. It was a tough catch laying prone but he should have caught it. And I still believe he makes that catch, we win that year’s Super Bowl

[@Zoyx]

@@chrisfranco6603 - Catch would have been at the half yard line, he would have had to do some acrobatics to get into the end zone. Also the pass was intended for Anthony Carter... but he was well covered also.

[@fraz72]

@@Zoyx exactly there Washington guys literally was on him like butter on bread on that play

[@deanladue3151]

@@Zoyx but if he does catch it, it's 1st and goal for the Vikings.

[@weelgunny]

These are great highlights of Nelson. I was a big fan of him.

[@robmichael8136]

Good video man, the only thing I didn't like was the baby crib lullaby music in the background.

[@samstevens8012]

Nelson also refused to play for the Dallas Cowboys after being traded there as part of the Hershel Walker trade.

[@christopherowens6391]

You can't run the ball if you don't block, the issue was the Vikings offensive line.

[@Landoftheignorant]

And it still is 40 years later.

[@goldteethpoohproductions2707]

Bro I dk how u don't have more subcribers YOUR DOPE

[@nasetvideos]

Great video. This is a perfect example of young athletes making a decision about a city or state before really knowing enough about it and/or that they might be happy there. Nelson had a good decade long career. He was a solid running back but never "great" as you said. And yes, unfortunately, my memory of Nelson was the "drop" against Washington. Not fair that this is how I first remember him, but that's sports.

[@matthewdaley746]

The Redskins, better, send him, Christmas Cards, forever, since, he's the, only, reason they, won, the, SB, that, year, they, were, really, the, worst, of, their, three, SB, teams, and, it's, not, even, close. To be fair, Minnesota, Pre-Mall, Of, America, was, pretty torturous, except, in the, very, abbreviated, Summer. Similarly, Edmonton, was, only, technically, tolerable, because, of, The, West, Edmonton, Mall, and, The, Oilers', Dynasty.

[@matthewdaley746]

@JBSptfn Overrated, or, not, they, went, 14-2, I've seen a lot of teams have that record, and, not, finish the job, yet, in the end, they, were, able to accomplish it.

[@astrostar49]

The mosquitos would be annoying. I'm a California guy, and I understand his concerns. Especially back then. Glad it worked out for Nelson though.

[@threatassessment606]

And the bitterly cold winters

[@danielpenrodii2389]

@@threatassessment606 Whats the big deal about -40°F? Put on an extra pair of socks and deal with it.

[@quietcorner293]

"I will not play for you." *shows cash* "Where do I sign?*

[@bdautch20]

Jim Kelly was a little like this. Played in the USFL rather than come to Buffalo...and now still lives in Buffalo.

[@davidgolinsky]

Jack Snow was also drafted by the Vikings and refused to play for the Vikings.

[@paulman9989]

DA Da DAV = THAT WAS JACK FROST ya JAKass

[@SuperOmnicronsj44]

I think he actually almost scored a winning td v Redskins who stopped him at the goal line. Elway, Manning made the right moves as the both ended up two time Super Bowl champions and their teams never won a SB (except the Indy Colts, but not Baltimore.)

[@thescatman5029]

Darrin Nelson was solid! That dropped pass against Washington was contested, with the great Darrell Green breaking it up! As for the discos or clubs, I'm sure he knew about The First Avenue....!

[@matthewdaley746]

Just goes to show, how, tenuous the career of Joe Gibbs, actually, was, after, losing, to the Raiders, many wanted him gone, if that pass is caught, they, probably, get their wish, from, JKC.

[@heliosapollyon4391]

I can't attest to the natural beauty of Minnesota it is very very beautiful especially the little lake towns like Buffalo or you got these old style houses and it just builds around a lake and then the city grows out from it. it's breathtaking

[@chadlong1109]

He didn’t want to “go to discos and listen to country music” in Minneapolis? Has he not heard of Prince? Morris Day and the Time? Lipps Inc, whose 1980 hit Funky Town was about Minneapolis? The so-called Minneapolis Sound? All that was nearing its prime in 1982.

[@miles4270]

Now minneapolis is known for other things ....🤐

[@chadlong1109]

@@miles4270 Like having one of the most corrupt and brutal police forces in the country? I’ve got nothing but civic pride about having watched the Third Precinct catch fire. I saw those pigs shoot rubber bullets at children and people over 65 before the riot, watched as they kicked some teenager’s ass for breaking a liquor store window only to watch those same cops go in and steal a few dozen bottles for themselves.

[@ScarecrowsDream1977]

All I remember is the drop in the NFL championship game!!!

[@garydarland5259]

After three runs from inside the five. I will never forget.

[@pullt]

I never thought that was a drop. Defender hit right on the ball the moment it arrived And was gonna be turnover on downs anyway had he caught it.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

8:19 Marcus Allen Heisman Trophy 🏆 (1981 USC Trojans) 10th overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Raiders (1982) 1982 NFL ROTY 1985 NFL MVP Most Valuable Player of SBXVIII

[@opentrunk]

Steve Dils made Christian Ponder look like Pat Mahomes.

[@W7Productions]

Omg Steve Dils was the absolute worst! More of his passes were caught by defensive backs than receivers!

[@myronbedner989]

I thought Steve Dils was a great back up quarterback

[@PtolemyJones]

The west coast has ruined many a less disciplined young man. As to his career, it is really hard to measure how most people will do on different teams, with different blocking schemes, and coaches. Not hard to imagine he would have done better on a different team.

[@SkolneyVikings]

We should have listened and drafted Marcus Allen instead.

[@matthewdaley746]

Yeah, but, to be fair, if the Vikings had drafted him, he, probably, doesn't, win, the, SB, and, he, definitely, doesn't have as long a career, as the owner, actually, plays him.

[@danielpenrodii2389]

Oh absolutely! I think his sudden impact would’ve kept Bud Grant around a little longer. A reliable back like Allen with Tommy Kramer would’ve taken those squads that were “talented, but just not quite good enough” to the next level to actual contenders.

[@danielpenrodii2389]

@@matthewdaley746 Idk, I think having Marcus Allen would’ve elevated those 80’s Viking teams to the next level for sure. They were kind of like the Romo Cowboy teams, very talented but always were missing just one piece. Plus, he would’ve probably been good enough to give them the win in 1987’s NFC Championship game.

[@matthewdaley746]

@danielpenrodii2389 I think Bud Grant's best days, were, already, long behind him, and, had, he, won, even, one, SB, he would have retired years, earlier.

[@matthewdaley746]

@danielpenrodii2389 See my previous comment, the, O-Line, would have gotten good, far, too, late, for, Marcus Allen, who would have played many years, behind a substandard, O-Line.

[@chrissnape9537]

He was good I remember him but seemed to remember being surprised by his retirement

[@Lawomenshoops]

A couple things- After Nelson made that country music at discos comment, radio stations in Minn. played country music in his honor. Another reason why the Vikings needed a RB, was that Ted Brown, accidently shot himself in the foot after the 81 season. There were some concerns if he would be able to come back. So, maybe losing your best RB, from the worst rushing team, you had to draft a RB.

[@kyle1910]

So there was another inspiration for the line in Soundgarden's *Outshined* LOL

[@christopherowens6391]

Darrin Nelson, Gerald Riggs and Marcus Allen all from the Pac 10!

[@ac9559]

It was a good thing he played most of his games as a pro indoors. A strong gust of wind once tackled him.

[@smoothoperator7023]

He got his revenge in the 1987 NFC Champ. game vs. Redskins! 😆

[@matthenry7288]

Hail to the Redskins baby

[@trevharpa9371]

I moved to MN and didn’t think I was going to like it . 20 yrs later it does secretly grow on you …

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

His Stanford teammate No 7 was a first round draft pick by the Baltimore Colts the following NFL draft

[@JWex-jy7sk]

The drop in that NFC championship game kinda wasn’t all Nelson’s fault. You look closely at that video he got hit hard right from behind before the ball even got to him. That’s a difficult catch for anybody to try and hang on to in that situation.

[@TPTGopher]

Yeah, they were really lucky not to face a 6-9 team who they beat in the regular season...

[@matthewdaley746]

@TPTGopher The, Strike, had a lot to do, with, that, the 1983 team, was, better, and, they, lost, to the Raiders. Look at Joe Gibbs praying on the sideline, he knew that he, was, fired if they caught that pass, simple as that. Not, to mention, that this, "juggernaut," missed, the, Playoffs, entirely, the following, two, years. Also, in 1985, as well, for, all of his glory, Joe Gibbs, laid, three, enormous eggs.

[@Sephiroth766]

@@matthewdaley746 That Vikings team was 8-7 because of the replacement players. They were 8-4 when all the starters played, they weren't as mediocre as their record said, plus they beat Denver in the regular season. There is a good chance the Vikings beat the Broncos like the Reskins did.

[@matthewdaley746]

@Sephiroth766 Yeah, which, only, makes the, victory, by the Redskins, all the, luckier, they tried to, win, the Game, 17-10, and, only, somehow, managed it, via drop. Joe Gibbs is, only, in, the, HOF, because, of his, third, Ring, and, he doesn't get his, second, Ring, if that ball is caught. Mike Shanahan, and, Tom Coughlin, would get, two, Rings, each. However, somehow, neither, of those coaches, are, HOFers, coincidence, I think, not.

[@matthewdaley746]

@JBSptfn It didn't help that Terrell Davis suffered an injury that ruined his career in 1999, that hurt the Broncos, far, more, than, the retirement of John Elway, ever, could have.

[@chrisfranco6603]

I know it sounds like sacrilegious to say as a Vikings fan. But this was Bud Grant’s fault. I clearly remember watching the draft that year hoping the Vikings would draft Marcus at number 7. It didn’t happen and we took Nelson. Nelson was the first RB taken in that draft and everyone had him high on their lists, As this all around nifty shifty back who could really catch, where as Allen was more the pure runner. Bud Grant fell in love with the dink and dunk offense in the late 1970s in my opinion when he had Tarkenton. Tarkenton late in his career was Mr. Dink and Dunk. When they drafted Nelson...immediately I knew it was a mistake. BTW,..the Falcons ALSO passed on Allen at 9 and took Gerald Riggs. Al Davis snatched up Allen at pick 10 and the rest is history. The Raiders won the 84 Super Bowl and Allen was MVP of that game. Worst pick in my opinion in Vikings history. Nelson over Allen in 82. There have been plenty of busts that haven’t worked out. But the reason why I rank this as the worst is because we clearly needed a RB that draft and they passed over a HOF player. The other busts in Vikings history, we don’t know what their board was like and who they passed on. This pick, we know.

[@opentrunk]

Keith Millard also swore he'd never play for the Vikings.

[@F.W.ENDER.75]

MILLAAAAAAARD

[@deanladue3151]

Anthony Carter had his doubts as well, but he agreed to the trade since the Dolphins held his rights. Carter was assured that we would get playing time in MN. Miami at the time was loaded with recievers, and felt that they would be fine without Carter.

[@noirtesseract2104]

We could of had Marcus Allen ?!?!?!? WHAT 🥺

[@jacobshroyer6109]

There’s tons to do in Minnesota. If you’re open, most places are pretty great to live. Especially if your living a childhood dream and playing professional sports.

[@pawel2669]

Honestly cannot blame the guy for that. NFL player made really good money back than, but not even close to what they make now (even if you take inflation into account). Moving to a different part of United States, with different weather and farther from family can be hard.

[@bridesblade5307]

Before watching video or reading any comments if I recall correctly.. the Vikings passed on Marcus Allen for Nelson (he was better on turf) was one of their main reasons at the time..Nelson was adamant about not wanting to play for the Vikings and it showed as a photo of him was in the newspapers the next day looking "frumpy" about his destination. post video: I knew Nelson was known as a "receiving" RB but in no way did I know about the amount of yards he racked up while at Stanford. Very informative video. He was eventually dubbed "disco" Darrin 1)always having to change direction because there was no opening and or 2) known to run as much as east and west as north and south blame who you want I guess. I never held a grudge against Darrin for dropping the ball in the Wash. NFC title game...it was a stupid play call more than anything (Bob Schnelker #*@!!!!!). I would like to add that even though he didn't want to play for the Vikings I believe Nelson always played hard for us and never heard him complain about his situation. My favorite play of Nelson was his run against Dallas on Thanksgiving on O.T. Nelson also had a receiving avg of 8.9 which is pretty good for a running back.

[@deuce-infinitum2001]

Thaaaaat wasn't an easy catch or a sure TD on first look either

[@bridesblade5307]

@@deuce-infinitum2001 Even if he caught it I always questioned if he would've been short.

[@hendeeze]

"I don't want to go to discos and listen to country music." QFT!

[@eriksvideos6022]

Disco Darrin.

[@lfeco]

Plenty of what if's. Marcus Allen maybe. I heard Bud Grant on Sid Hartman's radio show that the year they drafted Ron Yary that they were within a flip of a coin of trading up in the draft and picking O J Simpson. Yary was a great player but........

[@YTC1234]

Reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush and his career followed a similar trajectory

[@scottconner7930]

39 Years Ago

[@newufl]

You could do a video on Mike Wallace not picking Minnesota on free agency because of the cold….only to be traded to minny 2 years later lol

[@MrGCastilhos]

That Rashad's telegram at 6:02 ... *sad skol noises*

[@chrissnape9537]

Your not adding in his receiving yards he was very good and dangerous. He didn't get the running touches and would have had a great average per carry. 11 years tells you everything can't believe not one pro bowl as he was great I watched him play a lot. Also very smart and well spoken

[@YouTuber-ep5xx]

Wouldn't doubt if Darren still has a cabin in Minn.!

[@danielpenrodii2389]

As a Minnesotan, I love that the moral of the story is “it’s not so bad here after all”. Lol

[@StevenSlays]

As a Minnesotan, you know that we say that just to justify our stupid choice to live here. Lol

[@quietcorner293]

I thought we all listen to country music. He hadn't heard of the Minneapolis Sound & Prince yet.

[@JohnMichael-vy6hp]

Except for the winters

[@quietcorner293]

@@JohnMichael-vy6hp it doesn’t hold us back. We love ice fishing, snowmobiling & hockey.

[@danielpenrodii2389]

@@JohnMichael-vy6hp Just drive south on I-35. Easy peasy

[@vanteal]

If a team drafts a player who says he doesn't wanna be drafted by them simply do it for draft leverage. They don't do it with the intent of playing them, they just want better compensation for that player from the team who wants him the most.

[@danielcorreard3746]

how dumb must Darrin Nelson felt refusing to play for the cowboys they only went on to win 3 super bowls in 4 years

[@holdenmcgroin9774]

He was old and retired in 1992. Your comment makes no sense.

[@danielcorreard3746]

@@holdenmcgroin9774 well excuse me for making a mistake god you are an asshole

[@danielcorreard3746]

@@holdenmcgroin9774 and by the way Nelson retired in 1992 so he was not retired yet and could've been on a championship team. you need to learn what you are talking about

[@johnswanson3741]

I was so set on Marcus Allen that I was going to quit wasting my time on the Vikes. Another of many blunders by the Vikings organization in my opinion

[@weelgunny]

Everybody knew Bud Grant wanted Nelson days earlier.

[@marvinflatt6947]

"Disco Darren"

[@mbogart31]

Don't really understand the hate towards Minnesota. It's a beautiful state and the people are friendly.

[@NickCC23]

I think Nelson could have listened to an up and coming Minneapolis musician named Prince.

[@jsivco3sivco785]

"Halfback." There's a term that we haven't heard in ages! ("Split End" is another.)

[@michaelotten2724]

Don't hear fullback much either..

[@jameshayes9849]

Wtf are you talking about?

[@emptyhand777]

Sometimes halfback fall on their full backs, and fullbacks fall on their half backs.

[@lazyidiotofthemonth]

The Funny thing is, Minnesota Vikings tend to live in Minnnesota when they are retired, not all of them of course, but more than you would expect plant roots and stay.

[@danielhofer7386]

Marcus Allen also told the Vikings he wouldn't play for them either.

[@RDAmidwest]

Wish we'd drafted Marcus... And what the hell was A.C. doing standing in Darrin's route pattern on the goal line against Washington. He led that safety right to him and fouled it all up...

[@deanladue3151]

He ran the wrong pattern, Carters intended route (short slant) was supposed to draw the defenders away from Nelson. But ran a post route to the flat instead. Not sure if Nelson would've scored, but if he does catch it, it's 1st and goal for the Vikings.

[@PlayAcousticDrums]

As a life long Viking fan, I truly believe Wilson was throwing to AC on that 4th down play . AC was open. Nelson ran the wrong route.

[@littleguy6753]

Refused to play for the Vikings then refused to play for the 1990s Cowboys.

[@localh]

The Chargers had to draft Eli Manning out of respect for the Manning Family so he can be overall number 1 selection in the draft. San Diego knew he didnt want to be with the Chargers. It was planned, the Giants had the second selection and they drafted Philip Rivers.

[@quietcorner293]

It worked out for SD as the Giants not only gave them Phillip Rivers but also a 3rd round pick.

[@gongshow6766]

The Vikings should've listened. They could have drafted Marcus Allen! End of discussion!

[@danielhofer7386]

he wouldn't plat for them either.

[@NicholasLashway]

9 teams passed on Marcus Allen wtf

[@weelgunny]

The Heisman jinks had already been established. Allen is among very few who overcame it.

[@Jefff72]

We sit around and listen to country? He obviously hadn't heard of Prince yet.

[@chrissnape9537]

The Vikings needed an offensive line

[@joeshmoe7789]

Elway and Manning were traded before either could make due with their threats. We'll never know if Manning would've sat out the year instead of signing with San Diego. Same with Elway.

[@alexanderpease4764]

Thank you sir. If it was not for this I would have never noticed something. 2 of the best Broncos QBs all time are John Elway and Peyton Manning. Both were drafted by the Colts and played for the Broncos John Elway was drafted by the colts and traded to the Broncos. Peyton Manning was drafted by the colts and joined the broncos during free agency. John Elway and Peyton Manning both won their second superbowl in their last season as a Bronco.

[@mrmonty86]

Darrin Nelson, the second-best Nelson in Minnesota behind Prince.

[@Reuter951]

He wasn’t even in the end zone on that 4th down play

[@OGAROB]

Well the elway one it was his dad who did the negotiating

[@Papawill13]

I love how you just gloss over the Bo Jackson thing like he is in the same boat with these other players. Bo wanted to play Baseball, Hugh Culverhouse wanted him to play Football only. So he invited Bo Jackson on his private jet telling him it was ok with the SEC and NCAA, it was not and Jackson lost all his remaining eligibility and could not play Baseball at Auburn in his last year. So he only told them not to draft him because they Lied to him and Destroyed his College Eligibility. Which is 100% reasonable compared to these other reason players dont want a team to draft them.

[@OfficialJaguarGator9]

I just brought that up to show a time a player refused to play for a team and wound up never playing for that team. Bo had every reason to not play for the Bucs; they completely screwed him over. It’s the one time I was completely fine with it

[@averydaymond1560]

I wanted to add that I recall Brian Bosworth refusing to play for Seattle. I don’t know how long it lasted but it wasn’t a contract negotiation he flat out stated he would not play there but Seattle won that battle and Bosworth played there. Uh wait did I say Seattle “won” that? Uh Bosworth sucked so maybe I should choose another word but ya get the jest of it lol.

[@MrDKJets]

early 80s is prime prince which he spent alot of time at a disco at first ave in the twin cities. cmon man

[@douglashenry6996]

Didn't John Elway refuse to play for Robert Irsay's Baltimore Colts when they drafted him?

[@richardadams4928]

As I understand it, Elway's beef wasn't with the city, or the fact that the Colts were a weak/losing team. It was him NOT wanting to play for coach Frank Kush. And from everything I've heard about Kush, that's a legitimate and understandable stance to take.

[@richardadams4928]

@JBSptfn ISTR Kush didn't last long, either. And I DESPISE Knight and his acolytes for just the reason you mentioned. It's one of many reasons I have no respect for Knight apologist and worshipper Mark Cuban.

[@lesmoore3638]

Jim Kelly!

[@lenarrowseller2419]

Could be that Minnesota wouldn't have even gotten into the championship without him, even though he dropped the pass.

[@bricksampson654]

Guy was an unbelievable football player, he played 10 years in the league. Ripping him and calling him a bust is complete bullshit. He was in the NFL DUDE! Terrible video, Darrin Nelson should be so proud of his accomplishments, he was a bad ass player man. Comments made during video’s like this are always spit out by somebody with ZERO football experience. Doesn’t matter he didn’t rush for over 1k yards in any season, or that he didn’t make the pro bowl, or that he wasn’t a consistent starter. For 10 fucking years he was one of approx. 1700 full time NFL players across 22 positions. That is 1700 people amongst 250 million people (approx 1986 usa population). And by position he was one of (4 rb’s per team approx 30 teams in the 80’) 120 of the best RUNNING BACKS IN THE USA!! The percentages do not lie, it is a cold hard FACT, that Darrin Nelson was one of the best football players that ever lived in his ten year period of NFL football success. You can have an opinion that u didn’t like his style or whatever but claiming he is s bust is ridiculous and just not true.

[@charismatic9904]

Dude love ur videos BUT i am so sick of all ur videos having 3-4 ads each on videos that are less than 9 min. Its ridiculous

[@w41duvernay]

VIKS to Nelson OVER Riggs. WTF!

[@bolojungle1150]

Kenny Rodgers? I guess you hadn't heard of Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, or... ahhh, why waste my breath?

[@MrSteeDoo]

1982 was a rotten draft. I don't know why they drafted an RB with the 7th pick after Ted Brown had a breakthrough season in 1981.

[@lesmoore3638]

Nelson was cooler than Prince? To call that a drop is kind of harsh. There are a lot of #1s that did way worse. He was good.

[@pullt]

Catch or not, it's turnover on downs imo

[@CelticBadBoyPoet7]

if U Watch The Replay Whiskey Wade Was Looking to The Left The Whole Time...

[@PInk77W1]

Any player who says he won’t play for a team Should be banned from the league

[@goosekhangaming1716]

That 4th down drop in the NFC Championship game still haunts me today...

[@Troyboy2121]

No one could have caught that pass.

[@goosekhangaming1716]

@@Troyboy2121 i will have to disagree. Not a give-me catch, but for someone as sure handed as Darren Nelson, it should have been sucked in... I bet if you ask him he would say he catches it 80% of the time...

[@Troyboy2121]

@@goosekhangaming1716 Have you really watch that play? Even if he caught the ball, he would have been short of the goal line and it was fourth and goal. He was coming back for the ball and he would pf had to turn back toward the goal line to score with a defender literally draped over him. I would give him a 20% of catching that ball out of 100 times and a 0% of ever scoring off the catch.

[@goosekhangaming1716]

​@@Troyboy2121 The Vikes had to get to the 2 yard line to get a 1st and goal. It was 4th down and 4 yards to go from the 6 yard line. Nelson had the ball hit him in the chest at the goal line, so worst case would be 1st and goal from a foot or two out.