The Tennessee Football Family Mourns the Loss of College Football Hall of Famer Steve Kiner at 77
By [Author Name], Knoxville, TN — [Today’s Date]
The Tennessee Volunteers community and the wider world of college football are in mourning today following the passing of Steve Kiner, a legendary linebacker and member of the College Football Hall of Fame. Kiner, who helped shape the identity of Tennessee football during its golden era in the 1960s, passed away at the age of 77.
With a career marked by grit, leadership, and passion, Kiner leaves behind a profound legacy both on and off the field. His contributions to the game, and more importantly, to the University of Tennessee, remain indelible. As tributes pour in from teammates, coaches, fans, and peers, it is evident that Steve Kiner was more than a football player — he was a symbol of Volunteer pride.
A Football Warrior at Rocky Top
Born in Florida and raised in Tampa, Steve Kiner was recruited to the University of Tennessee in the mid-1960s. He arrived in Knoxville at a time when the Volunteers were building a powerhouse football program under head coach Doug Dickey. From the moment he stepped on Shields-Watkins Field (now Neyland Stadium), Kiner made his presence known.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing over 215 pounds — a formidable frame for a linebacker of his era — Kiner played with a rare blend of intelligence, toughness, and athleticism. But it was his unrelenting work ethic and fiery spirit that elevated him to elite status. He became the emotional heartbeat of a Volunteers defense that was among the best in the nation during his time.
Kiner was a two-time All-American (1968, 1969), and his leadership helped guide Tennessee to the 1967 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship. He was known for his ability to read offenses with uncanny precision and deliver bone-jarring tackles that changed the momentum of games.
“Steve Kiner was one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever seen,” recalled longtime Tennessee radio voice Bob Kesling. “He wasn’t just a great athlete — he was the kind of player who made everyone around him better.”
College Football Hall of Famer
Kiner’s achievements at Tennessee earned him a place among college football’s immortals. In 1999, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a career that exemplified excellence and integrity.
During his Hall of Fame induction, Kiner spoke not just about football, but about the values the sport taught him: perseverance, teamwork, and resilience. “Football gave me a foundation for life,” he said at the time. “It taught me how to compete, how to lead, and how to get back up when you get knocked down.”
He was one of only a few Volunteers defenders in history to receive such a prestigious honor, and his legacy is etched alongside other Tennessee greats like Reggie White, Doug Atkins, and Al Wilson.
NFL Career and Life Beyond the Gridiron
After college, Kiner was selected in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He went on to play professionally for the Cowboys, New England Patriots, Houston Oilers, and Miami Dolphins. Although his NFL career was solid, it was his collegiate accomplishments that continued to define his reputation.
Following his retirement from football, Kiner lived a multifaceted life. He served in the U.S. Navy and later pursued careers in business and motivational speaking. He was often a featured guest at Tennessee alumni events, where he inspired younger generations of players and fans with his stories of grit and glory.
Many who knew Kiner personally speak of his humility and kindness, a stark contrast to the ferocity with which he played on the field. “He was a warrior on Saturdays, but a gentleman every other day of the week,” said a former teammate. “He carried himself with class and never forgot where he came from.”
Impact on the Tennessee Football Community
The news of Kiner’s passing has sent a wave of sadness through the Tennessee athletics family. The university released an official statement honoring his memory:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Kiner, a true Tennessee legend. His impact on our program, our university, and our fans cannot be overstated. He exemplified what it means to be a Volunteer: courageous, committed, and endlessly passionate. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time of loss.”
Kiner was often cited by coaches as a standard-bearer for the Tennessee linebacker tradition. Even decades after his playing days, his game film was studied by aspiring Volunteers looking to learn what it meant to wear the orange and white with pride.
At Neyland Stadium, where Kiner once thrilled thousands with his punishing style of play, fans are already calling for the university to honor his memory permanently — potentially through a plaque, a scholarship in his name, or even induction into the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame if not already enshrined.
A Lasting Legacy
As the Tennessee football family reflects on the life of Steve Kiner, what remains most powerful is the legacy he built — one forged through sacrifice, excellence, and enduring loyalty to the University of Tennessee. His name will forever be linked to an era of dominance, and his influence will ripple through the halls of Tennessee football history for generations to come.
“Steve Kiner showed us what it meant to be fearless,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “He played the game with everything he had. His memory will continue to inspire the young men who follow in his footsteps.”
Fans and Teammates Pay Tribute
Social media has been flooded with tributes from former teammates, coaches, and Volunteers fans from all generations. Many shared personal stories about meeting Kiner and being struck by his humility and warmth.
One fan, John M. from Chattanooga, posted: “When I was a kid, I got Steve Kiner’s autograph at a meet-and-greet in 1984. I still have it. He took the time to talk with me, shake my hand, and thank me for being a fan. That memory has stuck with me for 40 years.”
Another post from former teammate Ray Nettles, who played beside Kiner in the Volunteers linebacker corps, read: “Rest easy, my brother. You were the anchor of our defense and the heart of our team. I’ll never forget our battles and brotherhood.”
Final Farewell
The University of Tennessee has announced that a memorial service in Kiner’s honor will be held in Knoxville in the coming weeks, with details to be shared on the school’s athletics website. Fans and alumni will have the opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man whose name is forever woven into the fabric of Tennessee football.
As the sun sets over Neyland Stadium, the Tennessee Football Family bids farewell to one of its fiercest warriors. Steve Kiner may have passed on, but his legend — forged in sweat, spirit, and Volunteer orange — will never fade.
Rest in peace, Steve Kiner. Your Volunteer legacy lives on.
