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Nelson, an offensive tackle who played football for the Giants from 1983 to 1988 and was part of a Super Bowl-winning team, was met with lines of people at the Stop & Shop in Baldwin Place.
Nelson, 54, said that his wife's brother lives in Somers.
Speaking after the signing, he said he was “constantly busy the whole time.”
He added that there are “a lot of Giant fans up here.”
The retired Giant also had his Super Bowl ring with him. He was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXI, which was the first in franchise history.
Nelson met with a Mahopac flag football team that was named after his. There, he signed some of the kids' trophies. Michael Kelly, one of the adults to accompanied the kids, says the team includes third and fourth-graders.
Shrub Oak resident Carol Verrino arrived with her son, Nick, and his friends, Mason Nocito and Lucas Kowalski.
The three, each 13, play on the Shrub Oak recreation football team.
Referring to the kids, Verrino recalled that Nelson had advice for them, which is to do well in sports but focus on academics, which can be used for a career outside of football.
Asked in an interview what he does now, Nelson, who lives in Northern New Jersey, says he sells 401(k) plans.
Nick said it was “exciting” to see a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion.
The 6-foot-6 Nelson played college football at Iowa State University.
Lucas said it was “awesome" to see a former NFL player, while Mason replied that it was “awesome to see Karl here.”
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