The University of Tennessee and the world of college football are today mourning the loss of Steve Kiner, the former All-American linebacker and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, who passed away at 77 yesterday. As one of the stalwarts of Tennessee's defense in the late 1960s, Kiner's impact on the game was immeasurable, according to a statement obtained by Reuters. His performances earned him not only accolades but also respect from both teammates and opponents alike.
Kiner, who joined the Vols in 1967, quickly established himself as a player to watch. His skills were on full display during his junior year, where he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, as reported by WVLT. He had to consistently perform under pressure and play through injuries, famously leading his team to a victory over Ole Miss with a broken wrist. It was these kinds of gritty performances that prompted the legendary Bear Bryant to call Kiner "the best in this league since Leroy Jordan played for us" in a tribute to Kiner's talent and tenacity.
Aside from his collegiate heroics, Kiner's professional football career spanned nine seasons in the NFL, where he played for teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Oilers. Over the course of his pro career, Kiner accumulated 10 interceptions. His legacy was cemented with inductions into various Halls of Fame, including the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, with the latter coming in 1999. The Knox News highlighted Kiner's journey from a revoked scholarship opportunity in Florida to his legendary status at Tennessee.
His passing drew comments from the likes of Archie Manning, NFF chairman, who referred to Kiner as a "true legend of our game," whose career was defined by "toughness, leadership and excellence," as per Reuters. Phillip Fulmer, former Tennessee head coach and Kiner's teammate, remembered Steve as a "great football player and teammate" who played with "super intensity and fierceness," according to an interview with WVLT. Fulmer's words provide a glimpse into the respect Kiner commanded among those who knew him best, on and off the field.
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