Gary Nelson is a former professional American football player who played as a linebacker. He was born on March 24, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. Nelson played college football at UCLA before being drafted into the NFL. During his career, he played for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants. Nelson was known for his strong defensive skills and contributed significantly to his teams during his time in the league. After retiring from professional football, he transitioned into coaching and mentoring young athletes.