Steve Tovar

Steven Eric Tovar (born April 25, 1970) is an American former football player and coach. He played professionally as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, the San Diego Chargers and the Carolina Panthers. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Bengals in the third round (59th overall) of the 1993 NFL draft.

College career Tovar played at the Ohio State University from 1989 to 1992. Tovar was the first of 21 players recruited by Buckeyes head coach John Cooper to earn All-America status at Ohio State. He led Ohio State in tackles for three-consecutive seasons between 1990 and 1992, and currently ranks fourth in school history with 414 total tackles and 239 solo tackles. In his senior year, Tovar was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (selected by the conference coaches) after recording 128 tackles. He was three-time All-Big Ten selection, and a twice first-team All-American selection in 1991 and 1992. As a senior, Tovar was elected team co-captain alongside quarterback Kirk Herbstreit.

Professional career Tovar was selected in the third round (59th overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1993 NFL draft. He had an eight-year career in the National Football League (NFL), playing five years with the Bengals, two with the San Diego Chargers, and one with the Carolina Panthers. Following the 2008 season, on January 10, 2009, Tovar resigned and was replaced by Bill Miller.