The Tennessee Football Family mourns the loss of College Football Hall of Famer Steve Kiner
The Tennessee football community mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Steve Kiner, who passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 77. A two-time All-American linebacker and a 1999 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Kiner’s legacy is etched into the annals of college football history.
Early Life and Recruitment
Born on June 12, 1947, in Sandstone, Minnesota, Steve Kiner grew up in Tampa, Florida, attending Hillsborough High School. Initially recruited by the University of Florida, a pivotal phone call led to a visit from Tennessee assistant coach Vince Gibson, resulting in Kiner’s commitment to the Volunteers—a decision that would shape the trajectory of Tennessee football.
Collegiate Career at Tennessee
1966: Freshman Year
Kiner spent his freshman year on the Tennessee freshman team, as NCAA rules at the time prohibited freshmen from playing varsity football.
1967: Sophomore Breakthrough
In 1967, Kiner made an immediate impact, earning SEC Sophomore of the Year honors. He played in 10 games, recording two interceptions, and helped lead the Vols to a 9-1 record and an SEC championship. Tennessee concluded the season with a No. 2 national ranking and an appearance in the Orange Bowl.
1968: Junior Year Resilience
Despite playing much of the 1968 season with a broken wrist, Kiner’s performance did not waver. He achieved consensus First Team All-America status and was a First Team All-SEC selection. The Vols finished with an 8-1-1 record, with Kiner contributing two interceptions for 57 yards. A standout performance came in a 31-0 victory over Ole Miss, where he tallied 12 tackles and two interceptions.
1969: Senior Year Dominance
Kiner’s senior year was marked by exceptional play. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, earned unanimous All-America honors, and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting. He recorded five interceptions and led the Vols to another SEC title. A highlight was his performance against Alabama, where he amassed 14 tackles, five tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble in a 10-9 victory. Legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant praised Kiner as “the best in this league since Leroy Jordan played for us.”
Professional Football Career
Kiner was selected in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Over nine seasons, he played for the Cowboys, New England Patriots, Washington Redskins, and Houston Oilers. He appeared in 114 games, recording 19 sacks and 10 interceptions. His tenure with the Oilers under coach Bum Phillips was particularly productive.
Life Beyond Football
After retiring from professional football, Kiner pursued higher education, earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1994. He dedicated his post-football career to mental health services, managing emergency psychiatric services at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and establishing a therapy practice in Carrollton, Georgia.
Legacy and Honors
Kiner’s contributions to football were recognized through multiple honors:
- Inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1998
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999
- Named to the SEC Legends class in 1999
- Inducted into the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016
Former Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer remembered Kiner as “a great football player and teammate” who “played with super intensity and fierceness.”
Steve Kiner’s legacy transcends his on-field achievements. His dedication to helping others, both during and after his football career, exemplifies the spirit of the Volunteer community. As Tennessee mourns his passing, it also celebrates the life of a man who embodied excellence, resilience, and compassion.
