Robert Nelson (American football, born 1920)

Robert Cole Nelson (January 30, 1920 – November 3, 1985) was an American football player.

A native of Paris, Texas, Nelson attended Bryan High School and then played college football at Baylor University.

He also played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) and All-America Football Conference (AAFC) as a center, tackle, and linebacker for the Detroit Lions (1941, 1945), the Los Angeles Dons (1946–1949), and Baltimore Colts (1950). He appeared in 71 NFL/AAFC games, 52 as a starter, and kicked six field goals and 37 extra points.