In June, Richard Nelson took the stage at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas to take home the courage award at the Best of Nevada Preps banquet. He stood in front of an audience of more than 1,000 peers, rivals, coaches, and parents. At the time he said he never could’ve seen things going so well. His family life settled after five tumultuous years, and his football future seemed bright.
He was robbed of that future Saturday evening, but embodied that courage until the very last moment of his life.
Family and Football
Nothing in Nelson’s life came easy. He and his two siblings were separated from their mother as she battled drug addiction six years ago. They moved from Raymore, Mo. to Las Vegas to live with their grandmother. The change in scenery was rough on the middle-school aged Nelson. He battled depression, but found solace in football.
Nelson was an incredible athlete for Chaparral High School. He was second-team All-Sunrise League selection at running back as a junior, and also ran for the Cowboys’ 400-meter relay team that won the state title.
As a senior he paced the Cowboys with 558 yards on 86 carries. He also caught 15 passes for 279 yards with 19 total touchdowns – an astounding four of those coming on pick-sixes. He was second-team All-Southern Region at running back that year.
Despite the speed, he spent much of his high school career hoping that a Division-I football coach shared his faith in himself. He got an offer from Weber State, as well as some FBS preferred walk-on opportunities that would’ve saddled him with debt; he waited for the right fit.
On February 1, just two days before national signing day, Missouri State called and offered him a scholarship, and Nelson gave the Bears an instant, “yes.”
It was the culmination of everything he’d worked for. His stats and football ability speak for themselves. His mother sobered up and re-joined Nelson in Las Vegas in 2013, and he moved back in with her some time afterwards. His grades were never an issue. His grandmother, Deborah Coleman, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal last year that Richard was so focused on school that, “He would always come in and go right to it and he would say, ‘I don’t have time for this or that, I’ve got to do my homework.’ He would just dig in, do his homework and get it done.”
Courage
Saturday evening a fight was brewing outside of Nelson’s mother’s home in Las Vegas. Richard was in the final hours of his winter break, scheduled to hop on a plane back to Springfield ahead of the start of the semester Tuesday.
He came outside to see his sister and several others in an explosive argument with several women and men that police believe she knew. As tempers flared one of the men reached for a gun and fired several shots, including “multiple” hitting Nelson. The crowd of people scattered. The triggerman fled.
His mother told the Review-Journal that he died in her arms.
“It is a tragedy that he lost his life defending what is right,” MSU head coach Dave Steckel said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in Las Vegas, and we know he is in a good place with God.”
Arguably the most impactful message came from his childhood friend and Cowboys teammate Andrew Solis:
i want everyone to know that richard died a hero. he was protecting his sister from 3 men jumping her. he is loved and has a huge heart.
— Drew (@DREWNERO) January 15, 2017
Legacy
Many Chaparral High and Missouri State football players took to Twitter to mourn his loss Sunday. Some of his high school friends have started using the hashtag #LLRN, or Long Live Richard Nelson. His Bears teammates are likewise trying to make sense of the senseless.
Nelson’s cousin, Ricky Nichols of Blue Springs, Mo. and a freshman receiver for MSU, first turned the coaching staff on to recruiting him.
If only everybody knew how much you went through as a child and coming this far…
— Rickey Nichols Jr (@Nichols_Dimes15) January 15, 2017
Just a few for you ????????????????we came along way bro.. pic.twitter.com/xY8BbdR8Nz
— Rickey Nichols Jr (@Nichols_Dimes15) January 15, 2017
In loving memory of my family????????????.. we won’t forget about you.. pic.twitter.com/ZsG0ydklTV
— Rickey Nichols Jr (@Nichols_Dimes15) January 15, 2017
Missouri State’s football family is rallying around Nichols and his family – offering support, prayer, and love for their memory of Richard Nelson.
Rest In Peace. Idk why God wanted you so soon, but there’s a purpose. #CruelWorld I’m praying @Nichols_Dimes15 pic.twitter.com/aNEXXBGEwH
— Dylan Cole (@dylancole31) January 15, 2017
Thank you. Crazy thing is, I looked up to him. Such a joy to be around and his hard work inspired me so much. He will truly be missed ???????? https://t.co/eXMuAaMFtY
— Dylan Cole (@dylancole31) January 15, 2017
Rip Richard Nelson. We came in as two Rbs trying to make a name for ourselves but God has you now. Ill miss you G
— Austin Lee (@Imthe_MVP) January 15, 2017
I love and miss you Rich ????
— #teamaaron. (@aarondenson6) January 15, 2017
Rich was not only a great football player but a better man. Gone too soon but will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Richard Nelson.
— Zach Drake (@zachdrake7) January 15, 2017
There are no words strong enough. Please pray for the MO State Football Family in this extremely tough time. https://t.co/QOwbo5DrF6
— Peter Badovinac (@CoachBadovinac) January 15, 2017
im waiting on myself to wake up from this dream. RIP Rich???? watch over us on this wicked earth. #RN20 #flyhigh pic.twitter.com/WcmrtbPxaN
— THE REAL TIN TIN (@ThatGuyAustin02) January 15, 2017
RIP to my brother, teammate, etc. This alone says so much about his character and it’s sad that the good die young! We got you bro always ???? https://t.co/mIIHV6inZp
— Deion Holliman 5️⃣ (@DHolliman_5) January 15, 2017
Commitment
Nelson didn’t attract a spotlight in his first semester at Missouri State, and like so few of his peers, kept his Twitter account private. He hadn’t yet become a star in Springfield. On Sunday, we got a small glimpse at his world.
Hate to see violence take out young aspiring people that are navigating the world
RIP Rich Nelson pic.twitter.com/0BPJvxq8EU— William Levi (@NVPrepReport) January 15, 2017
Richard Nelson navigated his world with commitment and courage to his faith, his family, and football until the end.
He was 18 years old.
Photo courtesy Missouri State Athletics
