The Nelson family focuses on doing their best — not besting others

LOGAN — Only one thing was more talked about than BYU quarterback Riley Nelson's 96-yard touchdown drive that capped the Cougars dramatic, come-from-behind win against Utah State two weeks ago — his long, wavy hair.

It was a brief controversy though, as Nelson received a haircut the very next day. (And it wasn't because of the Facebook page devoted to his hair.)

"We saw him (Saturday) afternoon," said his father, Keith Nelson, "that next afternoon, and his hair was already taken care of."

But, for the record, it wasn't vanity — or rebellion — that caused Nelson to grow his locks a little longer than BYU's honor code allows.

It was brotherly love.

"I don't really know where any of it began," said Nelson's younger brother D.J., who is a senior and quarterback of the Logan High football team. "(I) and a couple of the football players just started growing out our hair in the spring and over the summer. We took on a thing where the hair gives you power, like Samson in the bible and Porter Rockwell. …The hair gives us power."

And then his mom, Joni Nelson, who does not approve of the long locks on any of the boys, adds, "Riley pushed the limits in solidarity with his brothers."

D.J. laughs as he confirms this.

"He was growing it out with us," he said smiling at the youngest of the three Nelson boys, Chase, a sophomore, as both of them still sport the longer hairstyle.

The long hair was just a tangible example of how the Nelson boys share more than just a surname. Keith and Joni Nelson managed to raise four children marinated in the perfect blend of competitiveness and cohesiveness. They are driven in their personal goals, while also fiercely supportive of the endeavors of their siblings.

"Riley talks to each one of them two or three times a day," said Keith Nelson. "They bounce things off each other."

Adds Joni, "He really works hard at staying a part of their lives. He calls them, encourages them and calls them before and after their games."

D.J. said having his brother on the sideline of his games gives him an extra edge.

"The couple of games that Riley's been on the sideline, it's like having another coach there," said D.J. "One that, well, it's like watching yourself play from the sideline. We both play football the same way; we run the same offense in high school. It's like having yourself evaluate your play."