Van HughesCurtis Van Hughes is an American former professional football player who played defensive tackle and defensive end for two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League.Early lifeHughes was born in Waco, Texas. He played high school football at Axtell High School as a fullback and gained 1,700 yards.Professional careerHughes was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fifth round of the 1984 NFL draft. He played eight career NFL games – seven with the 1986 St. Louis Cardinals and one with the 1987 Seattle Seahawks.