Tennessee Football Mourns the Passing of Legendary Steve Kiner
The Tennessee football community is mourning the loss of one of its most revered figures, College Football Hall of Famer Steve Kiner, who passed away at the age of 77.
A Vols legend, Kiner leaves behind a legacy etched deeply into the fabric of college football, remembered not only for his hard-hitting style on the field but for his enduring passion, leadership, and spirit that defined an era of Volunteer football.
A Storied Career Begins
Born on June 12, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, Steve Kiner rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared and respected linebackers in college football history.
He arrived at the University of Tennessee in the late 1960s, during a time when the Volunteers were ascending to national prominence.
Kiner quickly distinguished himself as a defensive powerhouse—an athlete whose instincts, intelligence, and physicality set him apart from the rest.
From the moment he stepped onto the field at Neyland Stadium, Kiner was a difference-maker.
He was the anchor of the Tennessee defense from 1967 to 1969, helping lead the Vols to a combined 26–5 record during those three seasons.
He earned All-American honors in both 1968 and 1969 and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1969.
His aggressive style, relentless motor, and leadership qualities made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing offenses.
The Heart of the Defense
Kiner played linebacker with a fearless tenacity that came to define the Tennessee defense during his time there.
At 6 feet 2 inches and about 220 pounds, he was considered undersized by today’s standards, but he played with an intensity and ferocity that more than made up for any physical limitations.
He was a leader both vocally and by example, often inspiring his teammates with his toughness and unshakable commitment.
One of the most iconic moments in Kiner’s college career came during the 1969 season.
With national championship hopes on the line, Tennessee’s defense, led by Kiner, delivered a series of dominating performances that helped catapult the team to national contention.
Though the Vols fell short of a title that year, Kiner’s influence was indelible, and his legacy as one of the great linebackers in Tennessee history was firmly established.
A Vol for Life
While his time on the field at Tennessee was brief in years, it was monumental in impact.
Kiner’s bond with the University of Tennessee lasted a lifetime. He remained deeply involved in the Vols community long after his playing days were over, regularly attending games, mentoring players, and representing the program with class and pride.
He often spoke about how his experiences in Knoxville shaped not just his football career but his life as a whole.
Kiner was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999—a fitting honor for a player who had given so much to the game and to his university.
The Hall of Fame induction was not only a recognition of his athletic excellence but also a celebration of the character and commitment that defined his legacy.
NFL and Beyond
Following his remarkable college career, Kiner was selected in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
He played in the NFL for several seasons with the Cowboys, Patriots, and Oilers.
Though his professional career didn’t reach the same heights as his college days, Kiner continued to earn respect for his toughness and professionalism.
After retiring from football, he transitioned to civilian life with the same grit and passion that had defined his playing days.
He pursued various careers, including working in aviation and coaching, and remained a dedicated advocate for youth sports and education.
His humility, generosity, and dedication to helping others endeared him to all who knew him.
A Legacy That Endures
Steve Kiner’s passing is a profound loss not just for Tennessee fans, but for the entire college football world.
His life serves as a shining example of how talent, work ethic, and heart can come together to leave an unforgettable legacy.
As tributes pour in from teammates, fans, and fellow Hall of Famers, one theme is clear: Steve Kiner was more than a football player.
He was a leader, a mentor, and a hero to many.
University of Tennessee athletic director Danny White shared in a statement, “Steve Kiner embodied what it means to be a Volunteer.
He was a fierce competitor on the field and a man of integrity off it.
His contributions to Tennessee football are immeasurable, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greats.”
Former teammates describe Kiner as the kind of person who lifted others up.
He was the first to lend a hand, the first to offer advice, and the first to give credit to others even when he had done the heavy lifting.
His humility and sense of humor, even in the face of adversity, made him beloved by teammates and coaches alike.
Final Farewell
In the days to come, the Tennessee football program and the broader college football community will honor Kiner’s memory through stories, celebrations, and moments of silence.
His jersey may not have been officially retired, but his number and name will live on in the hearts of fans who saw him play and those who learned about him through the legends passed down through generations.
Steve Kiner leaves behind a family, including children and grandchildren, who continue to carry his name and spirit forward.
But he also leaves behind a much larger family—the Tennessee Football Family, which stretches across decades and generations. For them, his memory will never fade.
As Neyland Stadium stands tall and echoes with the roars of Volunteer fans, one can imagine that somewhere in the shadows of the checkerboard end zones, the spirit of Steve Kiner is watching over, proud of the legacy he helped build.
Rest in peace, Steve Kiner. You will always be a Vol for Life.
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