David Nelson scores for Bills, gives ball to Cowboys cheerleader

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David Nelson did his best to avoid an awkward situation on Sunday.

After catching a three-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to put the Buffalo Bills on the scoreboard, 21-7, Nelson first celebrated with his teammates in the end zone, then went to the sideline and handed the ball to his girlfriend -- who happens to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.

‘It was a special moment to share with her,’ Nelson said of Kelsi Reich, who is in her fourth season as a Cowboys cheerleader. ‘I didn’t want it to be awkward.’

Nelson’s gesture thrilled Reich, who tweeted after the 44-7 Cowboys win: ‘What a special day today was! I feel so blessed & so proud of @DavidNelson86! Thanks for my game ball, I wont let go of it :) happiest girl!’

Some of Nelson’s Twitter followers approve of the move as well, calling it ‘classy’ and ‘adorable.’

But Nelson also is receiving his share of backlash, with tweets such as ‘you embarassed Buffalo and its fans by celebrating down 21-7 w that ... skit ... act like you care about the game!’ and ‘You can showboat when ur up 30 points, not down 2 td’s on the road.’

Nelson, who is from Wichita Falls, Texas, (about two hours from Cowboys Stadium) has been pretty low-key with his responses to the haters, saying things such as ‘I respectfully disagree’ and ‘check the game film. I played my tail off. I wanted that win more than anything.’

But just in case that didn’t shut them up, he also retweeted this photo of a beaming Reich holding the game ball, which she captioned ‘Happiest girl in the world! :)’

Need he say more?

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Left photo: David Nelson celebrates his touchdown with Bills teammate Fred Jackson. Credit: Jim Cowsert / Associated Press

Rigth photo: David Nelson gives the football to Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Kelsi Reich. Credit: Max Faulkner / Fort Worth Star-Telegram / Associated Press