Initially projected to be a third round pick, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins following the NFL draft.

He grew up in a military family in Fayetteville, where his mother and step father were stationed at Fort Bragg.

Leading Jack Britt to the Class 4-AA state championship game, Nixon was named first-team all-state offensive lineman following his senior season.

[7] The Redskins waived him on August 31, 2013, for final roster cuts before the start of 2013 season,[8] he was signed to the team's practice squad the next day.

On October 28, 2013, Nixon was waived by the Indianapolis Colts, only to be re-signed to the team's practice squad the next day.

[11] Due to missing the team's flight, Nixon did not participate and was listed as inactive in the 2014 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.