Arthur Lewis Nichols III Bio
Arthur Lewis Nichols III is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). He made a significant impact during his college career at Central Michigan University, where he led the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing yards in 2021 and earned multiple accolades for his performance.
Early Life and Background
Arthur Lewis Nichols III was born on August 16, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, where he played football under head coach Thomas Wilcher. During his senior year in 2018, Nichols rushed for 1,078 yards and scored 23 touchdowns on just 84 carries, earning all-state honors from several major Detroit newspapers.
His outstanding high school performance laid a strong foundation for his collegiate career. Nichols developed his skills in a competitive environment and gained recognition as a promising running back prospect.
Path to American Football
After high school, Nichols enrolled at Central Michigan University, where he played for the Chippewas football team from 2019 to 2022. He appeared in four games during his freshman season, gaining valuable experience. In the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Nichols emerged as a key player, rushing for 508 yards and earning the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Offensive Freshman of the Year award.
In 2021, Nichols repeated as a redshirt freshman due to special eligibility rules. He led all NCAA Division I FBS players with 1,710 rushing yards and 311 carries, marking the second-highest single-season rushing total in Central Michigan history. His performance earned him the MAC Offensive Player of the Year and First-team All-MAC honors.
Arthur Lewis Nichols III Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Nichols began his college career in 2019 with limited action but quickly progressed. By the 2020 season, he became a standout performer, highlighted by a game-winning performance against Eastern Michigan with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. His average of 6.5 yards per carry demonstrated his efficiency and explosiveness.
The 2021 season was a breakout year for Nichols. He recorded nine 100-yard rushing games, including career-high performances such as 219 yards against Ball State and 215 yards against Kent State. His consistent production established him as one of the top running backs in college football.
Professional Career (2023–Present)
Arthur Lewis Nichols III was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 235th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract in May 2023 but was waived/injured later that August and placed on injured reserve before being released in September.
In October 2023, Nichols joined the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract in January 2024. He experienced several roster moves throughout 2024 and early 2025, including multiple waivers and re-signings to the practice squad.
In July 2025, Nichols signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being waived and re-signed to the practice squad, he made his NFL debut on November 2, 2025, playing on special teams and recording a tackle against the Indianapolis Colts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Nichols is known for his powerful running style and ability to gain yards after contact. His endurance and work rate allowed him to carry the ball frequently during his college career. He combines vision and physicality, making him effective in both open field and short-yardage situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Leading the NCAA Division I FBS in rushing yards in 2021 stands as a career-defining milestone for Nichols. His MAC Offensive Player of the Year award and multiple 100-yard games highlight his impact at the collegiate level. His NFL debut in 2025 marks the beginning of his professional playing career.
Arthur Lewis Nichols III Career Wins
While Nichols’s professional career is in its early stages, his collegiate achievements include numerous standout rushing performances and conference honors. His ability to consistently produce high rushing yardage games underscores his talent and potential.
College Football Highlights
Nichols led the nation in rushing yards during the 2021 season with 1,710 yards, the second-highest single-season total in Central Michigan history. He earned the MAC Offensive Player of the Year and First-team All-MAC honors that year. His freshman season also earned him the MAC Offensive Freshman of the Year award.
Other Wins & Performances
In high school, Nichols rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 23 touchdowns in his senior year, earning all-state recognition. These early achievements set the stage for his successful college career.
Arthur Lewis Nichols III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Nichols’s family background are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Information regarding Nichols’s personal life, including marital status and children, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Arthur Lewis Nichols III signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and made his NFL debut in November. He contributed on special teams and recorded a tackle in his first game. Nichols continues to develop his role within the team, aiming to secure a more prominent position in the Steelers’ backfield. His progress during the season will be critical for his long-term NFL career prospects.