Steve Kiner

Steven Albert Kiner (June 12, 1947 – April 24, 2025) was an American professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) 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 life 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. 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 (#90-Robert West) 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 (#209-Ed McCartney).

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.

Honors Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, 1998 College Football Hall of Fame, 1999 SEC Legend class, 1999 Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame, 2016