Steve DeLong anchors the Tennessee Volunteers’ defense during a turbulent era, dominating opponents to claim the Outland Trophy and carve his name into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
July 3, 1943 – Norfolk, Virginia – The University of Tennessee’s middle guard from 1962 to 1964. Steve DeLong was born. Steve’s bio on the NFF website says he played middle guard on defense for Tennessee from 1962 to 1964. He made the Associated Press all-sophomore team in 1962. Was voted a defensive lineman of the year in the Southeastern Conference three times from 62 to 64. He was an All-American twice in his final two years.
Tennessee’s record in those days was four and six, five and five, and four, five, and one. Not at all great winning records. But in 1964, DeLong, who was six feet three and 243 pounds, won the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman. He was picked as the lineman of the year by the Columbus Touchdown Club and the Birmingham Touchdown Club. And he was voted the Senior Bowl’s Most Valuable Player that year.
In 1990, he was named to Tennessee’s all-time team in a fan vote. Covering 100 years of football from 1890 all the way to 1989. And Steve’s son, Keith, was also a linebacker at Tennessee. He was a captain and an All-American in 1988. Keith was also selected for the 100-year volunteers team in 1990.
And then Steve’s brother, Ken, is really running into family, as you can see. He played at Tennessee from 1967 to 1969. And after college, the College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display honoring Shonoring in its legendary museum in 1993. DeLong played defensive end for the San Diego and Chicago franchises in the National Football League from 1965 to 1972.
Steve DeLong leaves an enduring legacy in Knoxville as a foundational pillar of defensive greatness. By battling through coaching changes and securing the Outland Trophy on an average team, he proves that individual excellence shines through adversity. His dominant career paves the way for his family’s continued success at Tennessee and cements his eternal status as a College Football Hall of Famer.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1993.
- Outland Trophy Winner: 1964.
- 2× First-Team All-American: 1963, 1964.
- 3× SEC Defensive Lineman of the Year: 1962, 1963, 1964.
- Senior Bowl MVP: 1965.
- Tennessee “100 Years of Volunteers” Team: Selected in 1990 alongside his son, Keith DeLong.
- AFL All-Star: 1969.
- First Round Draft Pick: Selected 6th overall in both the 1965 NFL and AFL Drafts.