RaJa Nelson Set to Break Bison Record for Career Games Played

FARGO — RaJa Nelson, a senior wide receiver at North Dakota State University (NDSU), is poised to break the school record for career games played when he competes in his 74th game this Saturday against the University of St. Thomas at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome. Currently, Nelson holds the record for most games played by a Bison player, surpassing Braylon Henderson’s previous record of 73 games.

With the possibility of NDSU advancing deep into the FCS playoffs, Nelson could finish his career with a total closer to 80 games than 70, a remarkable feat for any college athlete. To provide context, veteran NFL wide receiver Justin Jefferson has participated in 87 career games. “I’ve experienced a lot of college football, learned a lot through all the games,” Nelson reflected. “But I couldn’t do it without the training staff, the coaches and my teammates.”

Significance of the Record

The NCAA does not officially track career games played, making Nelson and Henderson’s achievements particularly noteworthy. They are among four players in the Bison’s 70-game club, which also includes cornerback Jayden Price (71 games from 2019-23) and offensive guard Nash Jensen (70 games, 2018-22). Nelson’s journey to this milestone has been both impressive and challenging.

Nelson began his college career with 10 games in the spring season of 2021, followed by an unprecedented 25 games within a calendar year due to the spring season’s unique scheduling. “That only seems weird because we were playing in the spring,” he explained. He continued with 14 games in 2022 and is set to play in 15 games this season.

In addition to his consistent performance, Nelson has shown resilience, returning from injuries to contribute significantly to his team’s success. He played through a midsection injury last season, demonstrating a level of commitment that many would find daunting. During that time, NDSU utilized the NCAA’s four-game eligibility rule, allowing Nelson to maintain his eligibility while still contributing to key games, including matchups against South Dakota State and North Dakota.

Coaches and Teammates Share Their Support

Head coach Tim Polasek praised Nelson for his strength and dedication, saying, “He’s rangy for a shorter guy. He is a lean, strong athlete with a competitive spirit.” Nelson’s ability to practice at a high level has left a lasting impression on the coaching staff and NFL scouts alike.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of college football eligibility, allowing players like Nelson to break records that may stand for years to come. “I feel like looking back, I wouldn’t change it,” Nelson said. “I love this place, it means a lot to me. It’s poured into me a lot and it’s given me the opportunity to live out my dream.”

As Nelson prepares to step onto the field this Saturday, anticipation builds not only for his personal achievement but also for what it means for the Bison football program. The record, much like historic feats in sports, could become one of those unbreakable marks, comparable to other legendary records in college football history.