David Nelson (wide receiver)
An undrafted receiver who fought his way onto NFL rosters, becoming a dependable target and a champion at the college level.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American football player·Birthday: November 7·Millennials
Biography
David Nelson's football story is one of persistence over pedigree. At the University of Florida, he operated in the shadows of more explosive teammates, yet his steady hands and sharp routes made him a crucial component of Urban Meyer's offensive machine, contributing to two national titles. Despite going undrafted in 2010, he willed himself onto the Buffalo Bills' roster, carving out a three-year stint as a reliable possession receiver. His most productive season came in 2011, where he led the Bills in receptions before a knee injury altered his trajectory. After a final season with the New York Jets, Nelson's career concluded, but his path from walk-on to key contributor for championship teams defined his under-the-radar journey in a sport obsessed with star power.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
David was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two BCS National Championships (2006, 2008) as a member of the Florida Gators.
- Signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent and made their 53-man roster in 2010.
- Led the Buffalo Bills in receptions (61) and receiving yards (658) during the 2011 NFL season.
Did You Know?
He majored in Family, Youth and Community Sciences at the University of Florida.
His younger brother, Patrick Nelson, played safety at Illinois and SMU.
He caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tim Tebow in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game.
“My role was to run the right route and catch the ball when it came.”
