Gifford Nielsen: The Best Life
in the World
by Todd Beckstead
Trailing
New Mexico, 15-0, in the fourth game of the 1975 season, BYU starting
quarterback Mark Giles was forced to leave the game with an injury
and backup quarterback Jeff Duva had failed to move the ball.
Fourth-year head coach LaVell Edwards
turned to his third-string quarterback with a look on his face
as if to say, “Do you want to give it a try?”
“It was a magical night,” said Gifford
Nielsen of the game that proved to be the turning point of his
football career. “The right plays were called and the execution
was sharp.”
Behind Nielsen, the Cougars pulled
out a 16-15 win that night, their first of the season. It was
a victory that boosted Nielsen’s confidence and propelled him
to BYU passing records, Western Athletic Conference and NCAA honors,
and a six-year career in the NFL. Six seasons that, if not for
a priesthood blessing, would have been a young man’s wistful dreams
of what might have been.
Lessons in Faith and Life
Nielsen’s collegiate career was cut
short during his senior season. In the fourth game of the 1977
season, he sustained an injury against Oregon State – an injury
that was supposed to end his playing career. Following the injury,
Nielsen asked Edwards for a priesthood blessing, a blessing that
was given by Edwards and athletic director Glenn Tuckett.
Nielsen’s knee healed completely,
resulting in an NFL career, increased faith and a deep gratitude
toward Edwards that extends beyond the bounds of football. In
spite of his injury, the Houston Oilers selected Nielsen in the
third round of the 1978 NFL Draft with the 73rd overall
pick.
Bulldog turns into Cougar
Growing up in Provo, Utah, Nielsen
earned all-state honors in football and basketball, all-region
honors in golf, and was named the Outstanding Athlete in Utah
during his senior year at Provo High School. All the while, he
dreamed of playing for BYU, a dream that was realized following
his graduation from high school in 1973.
At BYU, Nielsen played basketball
and football his first two years and enjoyed more success in basketball.
Based on early reviews, Nielsen’s football future was bleak.
He stunned basketball head coach
Frank Arnold by announcing that, from that point on, he was going
to dedicate his full attention to football. Although Nielsen’s
choice seemed strange to some – many of his football teammates
included – he was confident with his decision.
“I prayed about that decision and
knew that it was the best decision,” said Nielsen. It was a decision
that paid dividends to both Nielsen and the BYU football program.
Today
Nielsen currently serves as stake
president in the Houston Texas South Stake. Balancing his responsibilities
as stake president with his high-profile job as sports director
and sports anchor for CBS affiliate KHOU in Houston is challenging
but very rewarding.
Many of the lessons learned from
football serve Nielsen well in his family, professional, and church
life. “One of the most important things is to believe in yourself.
You can accomplish great things by doing the right thing,” said
Nielsen.
Nielsen and his wife Wendy have three
sons, three daughters, and seven grandchildren. Their youngest
daughter and son are serving missions in Argentina and Mexico,
respectively.
“One of the best ways I can support
my children on their missions is to be involved in missionary
work myself,” said Nielsen.
His involvement with charitable and
community organizations provide ample opportunities for Nielsen
to be a light to others. Nielsen and major league pitcher Roger
Clemens put on an annual golf charity event that raises nearly
$500,000 for children’s charities every year.
President Nielsen for…
Nielsen has considered running for
political office, but says he will know if and when the time is
right. “I’ve always been led and guided in the direction I’ve
gone,” said Nielsen.
For now, Nielsen is enjoying the
opportunities afforded him through his community involvement,
church service, and especially, family blessings.
“I feel so blessed with my wife Wendy
to have six of the greatest kids and seven beautiful grandchildren.
I’ve got the best life in the world,” said Nielsen.
Click
here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.
