Steve Kiner

Steven Albert Kiner was an American professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Houston Oilers. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, earning consensus All-American honors twice. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Early years

Kiner was born in Sandstone, Minnesota, on June 12, 1947. His father was in the U.S. Army, and survived four years as a prisoner during World War II in Japan. The family lived in different Army bases, including Germany, Georgia and Switzerland. He attended Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida, where he was all-city and all-state on both offense and defense. His football coach called him Killer Kiner. He also practiced basketball and Track.

College career

Kiner originally accepted a football scholarship from the University of Florida, but after it was revoked, he decided to play for the University of Tennessee. He was converted into a linebacker and became a three-year starter. He played in the same linebacking unit as future NFL player Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds and was named SEC Sophomore of the Year.
In 1968, he posted 12 tackles and 2 interceptions while playing against the University of Mississippi with a broken wrist. His talent made Bear Bryant state, "the best in this league since Lee Roy Jordan played for us". In 1969, he was awarded the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. He also was a two-time [List of All-SEC American football|football teams|All-SEC] and All-American selection. He was a routine and open user of various recreational drugs throughout his college career, and was described as the "team hippy" for his unkempt appearance when he was drafted by the Cowboys, but stopped using drugs as his NFL career began.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Kiner was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1970 NFL draft. He roomed with Duane Thomas in training camp, and was recognized for his special teams play as a rookie, including Super Bowl V.
In 1971, he clashed with Tom Landry, after Chuck Howley was convinced to come back from retirement and gave him the position Kiner thought he deserved, forcing the team to trade him to the New England Patriots in exchange for a fourth round draft choice on July 23.

New England Patriots (first stint)

With the New England Patriots he lasted just one season, where he became a starter and had 4 interceptions. In 1972, he was expelled from training camp by head coach John Mazur and traded to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for defensive lineman Bill Griffin on August 4.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins waived Kiner before training camp ended on August 30, 1972.

Washington Redskins

On September 2, 1972, the Washington Redskins claimed him for their taxi squad. He was released on September 11, 1973.

New England Patriots (second stint)

On September 12, 1973, he was claimed by the New England Patriots and played one season. On January 30, 1974, he was traded to the Houston Oilers in exchange for a ninth round draft choice.

Houston Oilers

Kiner turned his career around with the Houston Oilers playing in a 3-4 defense. He had five productive seasons and was credited by head coach Bum Phillips "for turning the Houston Oilers into winners". He was waived before the start of the season on August 27, 1979.

Personal life and death

After football, Kiner earned two master's degrees from West Georgia College and got involved in health care, managing emergency psychiatric services for Emory Healthcare at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He was married to Carol, and was the father of three daughters.
Kiner had Alzheimer's disease in later years, which he and his wife publicly attributed to the concussions he sustained during his playing career. He died in hospice care in Palm Harbor, Florida, on April 24, 2025, at the age of 77.