Quenton Nelson (born March 15, 1996) is an American professional football player who serves as a guard for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned consensus All‑American honors. Nelson was selected by the Colts in the first round (13th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Early life and education
Nelson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended John Curtis Christian School in River Ridge, Louisiana, where he was a three‑year starter on the football team and earned All‑State recognitions. He was rated as a four‑star recruit by major recruiting services before committing to Notre Dame.
College career
At Notre Dame (2014–2017), Nelson played in 45 games, starting 36 of them at left guard. He received first‑team All‑American honors from the Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Focus, and several other organizations in his senior year (2017). He was also named to the All‑ACC first team that season.
Professional career
- NFL Draft: Selected 13th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2018 NFL Draft.
- Rookie season (2018): Started all 16 regular‑season games, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All‑Rookie Team and being named a first‑team All‑Pro by the Pro Football Writers of America.
- Subsequent seasons: Has been named to the Pro Bowl (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) and selected as a first‑team All‑Pro (2018, 2020, 2021). He has consistently been rated among the top guards in the league by analytical services such as Pro Football Focus.
Nelson's playing style is characterized by strong run blocking, effective pass protection, and a low center of gravity that aids in leverage against defensive linemen. He has been a key component of the Colts' offensive line, contributing to the team's rushing success and overall offensive efficiency.
Personal life
Nelson is married to Ehri Galloway, a former professional volleyball player. The couple has a daughter, born in 2020. Nelson is active in charitable activities, including community outreach programs in Indianapolis and youth football camps.
Career highlights and awards
- 4× Pro Bowl selection (2018–2021)
- 3× First‑team All‑Pro (2018, 2020, 2021)
- PFWA All‑Rookie Team (2018)
- Consensus All‑American (2017, college)
Statistics (through the 2023 season)
- Games played: 80
- Games started: 80
- Approximate snap count: 4,800 (indicative of an every‑down starter)
References
Information compiled from publicly available NFL records, Notre Dame athletic department releases, and reputable sports reporting outlets.
