Steve Kiner, a 1999 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred at Tennessee from 1967–69, passed away April 24. He was 77.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Kiner, a true legend of our game,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Steve’s remarkable career at Tennessee was defined by toughness, leadership, and excellence, and he leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond the football field. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Volunteer community.”
Kiner was a consensus All-American in 1968 and a unanimous All-American in 1969 as a linebacker for Tennessee. The Vols posted a 26-6-1 record during his tenure and captured two Southeastern Conference championships.
After spending the 1966 season on the freshman team, the hard-hitting Kiner rose to prominence in 1967 and was tabbed the SEC Sophomore of the Year. He played in 10 games and led the Vols to a 9-1 overall record and a No. 2 final ranking. Kiner logged two interceptions that fall as UT won the SEC and earned a berth to the Orange Bowl.
The 1968 defense, led by Kiner, set a school record by holding opponents to an average of 93 rushing yards per game. Kiner received consensus First Team All-America status and was a First Team All-SEC pick. The Vols finished with an 8-1-1 record, and Kiner played with a broken wrist for much of the season. He recorded two interceptions for 57 yards and the highlight came in a 31-0 rout of Ole Miss in which he logged 12 tackles and two picks.
Kiner left his mark as one of the program’s all-time greats in 1969, a year he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year while playing alongside teammate Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds. He completed the year with five interceptions, finished ninth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy and earned consensus All-America honors again. The Vols landed their second SEC title in three years and notched their third straight victory over Alabama. His most prominent performance came on Oct. 19, as he recorded 14 tackles – 11 solo – five tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble in a 10-9 victory over the Crimson Tide. It prompted legendary Tide coach Bear Bryant to call Kiner “the best in this league since Leroy Jordan played for us.”
Kiner appeared in the 1970 Senior Bowl and was selected with the No. 73 overall pick in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He played nine NFL seasons from 1970-78 with Dallas, New England, Washington and Houston.
In addition to the College Football Hall of Fame, Kiner was selected to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, the SEC Legends class in 1999 and the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
In 1994, Kiner continued his educational journey by earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He later established a mental health therapy practice in Carrollton, Georgia.
Born on June 12, 1947, in Sandstone, Minnesota, Kiner was raised in Tampa, Florida, and attended Hillsborough High School.
