| # | |
|---|---|
| Name | Nelson Hughes |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Position | QB1, Quarterback |
| Height | 183cm |
| Weight | 84kg |
| Current Team | Hildesheim Invaders |
| Past Teams | Hildesheim Invaders |
| Leagues | German Football League |
| Seasons | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| Age | 25 |
Nelson Hughes is a highly accomplished American quarterback renowned for his mobility, strong arm, and deep experience in the German and European football landscape. A native of South Carolina, Hughes broke every major passing record at North Greenville University before embarking on a successful overseas career that has seen him become a beloved figure in Hildesheim. He is characterized as a “mobile quarterback who can run a strong passing game” and a dual-threat playmaker who consistently challenges defenses both through the air and on the ground. His return to the Invaders in 2022 was seen as a major organizational boost, and his commitment to the city, where he is establishing roots and a family, solidifies his role as a long-term leader and player-coach for the franchise.
Previous stations
- North Greenville University Crusaders (NCAA Division II, College Player, completed 2015)
- Hildesheim Invaders (German Football League – GFL, 2017)
- Ingolstadt Dukes (German Football League – GFL, 2018)
- Ancona Dolphins (Italian Football League – IFL, 2019)
- Hildesheim Invaders (German Football League 2 / GFL, Player and Quarterbacks Coach, 2022–Present)
Credits
- https://gfl.info/nelson-hughes-kehrt-zurueck/
- https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/italy-ancona-dolphins-sign-qb-nelson-hughes/
- https://goinvaders.de/quarterback-nelson-hughes-kehrt-zurueck/
- https://nguathletics.com/sports/football/roster/nelson-hughes/5942
- https://www.hildesheimer-allgemeine.de/meldung/verliebt-in-hildesheim-quarterback-nelson-hughes-kehrt-zurueck.html
- https://www.newyorker-lions.de/lions-siegen-in-overtime-gegen-die-hildesheim-invaders/
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Helped the Hildesheim Invaders secure their division status in the GFL during the 2017 season.
- Contributed to securing promotion for the Hildesheim Invaders (GFL2 to GFL) upon his return.
Personal Achievements
- Broke every major school passing record at North Greenville University (Totaling 9,894 passing yards, 486 rushing yards, and 84 total touchdowns).
- Selected for the “College Play of the Week” during his collegiate career for a notable broken-play touchdown run.
- Ranked as the 7th leading passer in the German Football League (GFL) in 2018.
- Holds role as Quarterbacks Coach in the Invaders’ GFL2 team in addition to his playing duties.
Selected Statistics
- In his final collegiate season at North Greenville (Pre-2015), he threw for 2,947 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also rushing for 352 yards and three touchdowns.
- During his initial 2017 GFL season with the Invaders, he threw for 1,278 yards and 9 touchdowns in just eight games.
- In the 2018 GFL season with the Ingolstadt Dukes, he threw for 2,947 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Other
- Nicknames: The sources consistently refer to him as Nelson Hughes, though his collegiate profile lists him as Nelson Hughes III.
- Legendary Play: While in college, Hughes gained national attention for an incredible play where a pass was initially blocked, he caught the rebound, and ran it 47 yards for a touchdown—a play which made national “College Play of the Week” highlight reels.
- Dual Role: Hughes is highly valued not only for his on-field performance but also for his willingness to take on coaching responsibilities, working with the younger quarterbacks in the organization.
- Ties to Hildesheim: After his first stint in 2017, the contact with the team never broke off. He chose to return to Hildesheim in 2022 not only for football but because he “fell in love with Hildesheim” and relocated to the city to start a family.
- Coaching Comments: Invaders Team Manager Dominic Mai stated in 2022: “We saw his performances in Ingolstadt and Italy. When the opportunity arose, it was quickly clear to us that we would gladly bring him back. He is also a great coach.”
