Calvin Stephens
Calvin Herbert Stephens was an American professional football offensive guard who played in the National Football League for the New England Patriots. He played college football at the University of South Carolina.
Early life and college
Stephens was born in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. He attended Kings Mountain High School, where he played both offensive and defensive line, earning all-state honors and lettering in track and wrestling.He played college football at the University of South Carolina, where he was a four-year letterman and three-year starter at offensive guard. In his senior year, he earned honorable mention All-America honors from Football News and was named South Carolina's Outstanding Player of the Year. He started 39 games in his college career and did not allow a sack in his senior season.
Professional career
Stephens was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 1991 NFL draft.During training camp of his rookie year in 1991, Stephens tore his triceps muscle and spent the entire season on the injured reserve list. He returned for the 1992 season, appearing in 13 games and starting once. He was released by the Patriots in August 1993 during roster cutdowns. He was briefly claimed off waivers by the San Diego Chargers later that month but was released before the start of the regular season.
Personal life
Stephens majored in criminal justice at South Carolina. Known for his remarkable strength—reportedly bench-pressing over 500 pounds—he was described by teammates as a “gentle giant” both on and off the field.He died on June 8, 2010, in Mount Holly, North Carolina, at age 42.