By Darin Steve Kiner dominates the gridiron as one of the most ferocious linebackers in University of Tennessee history. Anchoring the legendary Volunteers defenses of the late 1960s, Kiner punished opposing offenses and captured the attention of the entire college football world. Discover the story of the All-American force who led his team to SEC glory and earned his rightful place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
June 12, 1947 – Sandstone, Minnesota – Steve Kiner, an All-American linebacker from the University of Tennessee from 1967 to 1969, was born.
The National Football Foundation has a nice write-up bio on Kiner, stating that he was a consensus All-America linebacker in 1968 and a unanimous All-America linebacker in 1969.
The 1968 team, led by linebacker Kiner, set a school record by holding opponents to an average of just 93 yards per game on the ground. Kiner was named to Tennessee’s all-100-year team.
Steve Kiner was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Mr. Kiner went pro and played in the NFL for 9 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Houston Oilers.
Steve Kiner leaves an enduring legacy as a relentless defensive anchor who set a standard of excellence for the Tennessee Volunteers. His tackling prowess and leadership propelled his team to new heights and transitioned seamlessly into a nine-year NFL career. Today, Kiner holds a prominent spot in the College Football Hall of Fame, continuing to inspire generations of linebackers who study his game.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1999.
- Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998.
- Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2016.
- SEC Legends Class: Inducted in 1999.
- Unanimous First-Team All-American: 1969.
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1968.
- Heisman Trophy Voting: Finished 9th in the 1969 Heisman Trophy balloting.
- SEC Defensive Player of the Year: 1969.
- SEC Sophomore of the Year: 1967.
- 2× First-Team All-SEC: 1968, 1969.
- 2× SEC Champion: 1967, 1969.
- NFL Career: Played 9 seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Houston Oilers.