Latest news with #Kiner
Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Steve Kiner, Patriots linebacker who was open about drug use, dies at 77
In 1968, despite a broken wrist, he had two interceptions and 12 tackles in Tennessee's 31-0 victory over the University of Mississippi, led by future NFL quarterback Archie Manning. The favor was returned the next year: Two months after Mr. Kiner stirred up Ole Miss with a preseason description of the players as 'a bunch of mules,' Mississippi won, 38-0. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up After a 41-14 rout of the University of Alabama in 1969 -- during which Mr. Kiner had eight unassisted tackles and an interception -- Alabama coach Bear Bryant told reporters, 'I don't think I've ever seen two finer linebackers on one team as Kiner and Reynolds.' Advertisement By then, Mr. Kiner said, he was already using drugs. 'I was doing acid every day, 365 days a year, or coke or mescaline, anything I could get my hands on,' he told The New York Times in 1974. 'I didn't care what people thought of me -- if my hair was down to my butt, if my eyes were so glazed I couldn't see 2 feet in front of me.' Advertisement Mr. Kiner was drafted in the third round of the 1970 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He didn't start for Dallas, but he made a strong impression. 'He was the team hippy -- shaggy hair, groovy mustache, delighted grin belying the fact he was the headhunter on the Dallas kickoff team,' Gary Cartwright wrote in Texas Monthly in 1973, adding, 'Kiner's first act on moving to Dallas was to find a Black roommate.' He shared an apartment with star running back Duane Thomas, an enigmatic personality who feuded with the team over his contract. Thomas had called Tom Landry, the Cowboys' stoic coach, a 'plastic man,' and Tex Schramm, the team's president, 'sick and dishonest.' (Thomas died last year.) Mr. Kiner backed Thomas. 'Duane is beautiful,' he said, 'because he's only telling the truth.' Dallas traded Mr. Kiner to the New England Patriots before the 1971 season. His free-spirited ways ran head-long into the disciplinary tactics of head coach John Mazur, a former Marine. Mr. Kiner came to training camp with his hair down to his shoulders. In response, Mazur ordered all players to cut their hair to prevent it from flowing out the back of the helmet. 'Everyone knew this was in direct retaliation to Kiner,' Globe columnist Will McDonough later related, describing the first day of the rule change. 'There was great anticipation that night in the dining hall. Kiner had been wearing an Amish-style hat around camp, and lo and behold, when he entered the dining room that night his long hair was nowhere to be seen. The players gave him a standing ovation. Advertisement 'But as they stood and cheered, Kiner lifted the hat, revealing his hair tied in a big bun on top of his head. Kiner was fined.' Nonetheless, Mr. Kiner's talent overcame the tensions with his coach. He would start all 14 games that season and had four interceptions. He earned NFL Defensive Player of the Week once during the season. Mr. Kiner had two stints with the New England Patriots, in 1971 and 1973. A.E. Maloof/Associated Press 'He had a terrific first year, but the warning signs were there,' Upton Bell, then the Patriots' general manager, said in an interview. 'I was aware that he had some trouble with drugs.' He added: 'What has to be understood is that it was the era of drugs, and a lot of young people were experimenting with them.' The Patriots traded Mr. Kiner to the Miami Dolphins in 1972 for defensive lineman Bill Griffin, but they released him before the season. He was then signed by the Washington Redskins (now the Commanders), but he never played for them. He returned to the Patriots in 1973 and reclaimed his starting job, but he was dealt after the season to the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans). By then, he said, he had been off drugs for a couple of years. Steven Albert Kiner was born on June 12, 1947, in Sandstone, Minn., and later lived at Fort Benning, Ga., and in Tampa, Florida. His father, George, was captured by the Japanese during his Army service in World War II and survived the Bataan Death March; he later worked for Sears. His mother, Gertrude (Willie) Kiner, managed the home. Steven played quarterback and safety at Hillsborough High School, but he was quickly converted to a linebacker by his coaches in college. Advertisement After his time at Tennessee -- which earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999 -- and three active seasons in the NFL, Mr. Kiner had his best years in Houston, after Bum Phillips was named coach in 1975. The Oilers had winning records in four of the five seasons Mr. Kiner played for Phillips, who was defensive coordinator the first season. At one point, Phillips said, 'Steve Kiner has got to be the best the Houston Oilers ever got for a ninth-round choice.' Phillips also credited Mr. Kiner with helping turn the Oilers into winners. Before a game between the Oilers and the New York Jets in 1974, Mr. Kiner reflected on his past drug use -- and how it had disappointed his younger brother, Kelly. 'He asked why I was doing drugs; is it fun? I didn't have an answer for him,' he told the Times. 'I thought about what he was saying. He was telling me the truth, and it was hard for me to swallow.' When Mr. Kiner was released after the 1978 season, he was upset. He told The Knoxville News Sentinel that if the Oilers asked him to return, he would refuse, 'unless they kiss me in front of a sellout crowd at the Astrodome.' He soon began a career in health care. He had studied psychology in college and earned master's degrees in clinical psychology from West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia) in 1988 and 1990. He worked for a hospital run by HCA Healthcare in Atlanta and then became director of emergency psychiatric services at Emory University Hospital, also in Atlanta, where he helped ensure that individuals received the mental health care they needed. Advertisement In addition to his wife and brother, Mr. Kiner leaves three daughters, Stacey Buckley, Hailey Weiner, and Christine Kiner; five grandchildren; and two sisters, Kathleen Ritch and Karla Newby. For years, Mr. Kiner exhibited symptoms associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy -- a brain disease that can be caused by repetitive head injuries -- including memory loss and anger. In 2010, he told the Houston Chronicle that he had probably suffered a dozen concussions every season. 'As long as my skull wasn't cracked, I figured it was OK to keep playing,' he said. 'They'd stick some ammonia under your nose and ask, 'How many fingers I'm holding up?' If you guessed right, they'd send you back out for the next play.' This article originally appeared in
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bearcats most likely wait for Day 3 to hear names called
Several Cincinnati Bearcats are eligible for this weekend's NFL draft, but just three are likely to hear their names called and that probably won't come until the final session Saturday, April 26. Running back Corey Kiner and offensive linemen Luke Kandra and John Williams all attended the NFL Combine and have been the most involved in speaking with professional teams. Other Cincinnati Bearcats, like offensive lineman Dartanyan Tinsley, will have their chances as undrafted free agents. Advertisement Here is the latest on the UC trio who hope to follow in the footsteps of former Bearcats Travis Kelce and Bryan Cook by latching onto an NFL team and winning a Super Bowl. Cincinnati Bearcats running back Corey Kiner (21) breaks a tackle attempt against the Houston Cougars last Sept. 22. Cincinnati Bearcats running back Corey Kiner The 23-year-old Kiner is a former Mr. Football in Ohio while at Roger Bacon. He played one season at LSU then transferred home to be a Cincinnati Bearcat in April of 2022. In his final two seasons at UC playing for Scott Satterfield, he had back-to-back 1,000-plus yard years. The 5-foot-9, 209-pound running back in the fifth in UC history to accomplish the feat. Strengths: Kiner was fourth among NCAA running backs in forced missed tackles. As a person, he's been an exemplary ambassador for the program. As a receiver, he caught all 16 passes targeted his way. Advertisement Weaknesses: His size and speed may not be up to some NFL backs and he lacks special teams experience. Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Luke Kandra (67) flexes after a defensive stop against the Miami RedHawks Sept. 14. Cincinnati Bearcats guard Luke Kandra The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Kandra is a few months away from his 24th birthday. He started at Louisville for Scott Satterfield, then transferred to his hometown like Kiner (and was reunited with Satterfield). Kandra played at Elder where his team included current Bearcat Joe Royer. They finished as Division I state runner-up. Strengths: Yes, he is strong. He hoisted 225 pounds 33 times at the NFL Combine to lead in that category. He has wide shoulders. He had one penalty at UC: a false start last season. At Big 12 Pro Day, he had the best vertical jump of the offensive linemen. In two seasons at UC, he missed no games. Advertisement Weaknesses: Truly not many. Some have commented on his wingspan, but his broad shoulders make up for it. Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman John Williams (75) could land with an NFL team in the late rounds Saturday. Cincinnati Bearcats tackle John Williams The 6-foot-4, 322-pound Williams is 23 and majored in aerospace engineering, so he took on heavy loads and heavy class loads. His pass blocking stood out during the East-West Shrine Bowl practice week. Strengths: At 11 inches, Williams had the largest measured hands at the Combine. He was UC's starting left tackle the past two seasons. Weaknesses: Where Kiner and Kandra are projected sixth-to-seventh rounders some only have Williams as a free agent. He's taken several meetings with teams, so that could change this weekend. Cincinnati Bearcats guard Dartanyan Tinsley Tinsley, at 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds, is not expected to be drafted, but the word has gotten out. He participated in the Bengals workout for local college players and has turned heads with his measurements. Tinsley's wingspan is 84" (7 feet), his arms are 34" and like Williams he has 11" hands (Tinsley was not invited to the NFL Combine). Advertisement In addition to the Bengals he's had contact with the Jaguars, Saints, Colts, Falcons. Strengths: Not as strong as Kandra, but did 30 reps at his Pro Day. A strong run blocker, he was a two-year starter at UC. Weaknesses: Tinsley came to UC from Kentucky Christian College, an NAIA program. He could be the first from that school to land in the pros. Not having the four-year experience that Williams and Kandra had might be considered a weakness, but it might also be a motivational strength. Other Cincinnati Bearcats probably looking at UDFA deals UC's top receiver last season, Xzavier Henderson is 6-foot-4 and 204 pounds. He had 59 catches and four touchdowns. Tackle Phillip Wilder is 6-foot-5 and 315-pounds who played eight games, starting seven on the line that helped senior running back Kiner surpass 1,000 yards again. Where UC's Kandra, Kiner, Williams may land To be fair, there are so many mock drafts available it's really hard to be accurate. Plus, draft day deals often change where a team may pick, which often changes the pick. That said, here's a rundown of where some sites have UC's top three going for their next helmet. Reid only has Kandra being selected in round five by the Los Angeles Chargers. Several PFF analysts were involved. In order they have Kandra to the Patriots in round six, Williams to the Steelers in the seventh and Kiner to the Falcons, also in the seventh. PFN has all three Bearcats going in the seventh and final round. It's Kandra to the Giants, Kiner to the 49ers and Williams to the Bears. CFN has Kandra in round five going to the Panthers and Kiner in the sixth round to the Dallas Cowboys. CBS did a ranking of players and also a mock draft with various contributors. In the mock draft, they had Kiner to the Chiefs in round seven. However, by their rankings they had Williams at pick No. 175 which would be a fifth-round choice by the Seahawks, and Kandra at No. 244, a seventh-round pick by the Lions. Kandra takes top billing here rated as a fifth-round choice to the Buccaneers. Kiner is rated as a seventh-round pick of the Lions and Williams is ranked as an undrafted free agent, NFL Mock Draft Data Base Kandra is seen as a sixth-round pick by the Titans. Williams is projected late seventh-round to the Browns. Kiner is projected at pick No. 257 as the last pick, currently held by the Chiefs. That would make him "Mr. Irrelevant" in addition to being Mr. Football, something that would motivate the tough runner. When to look/listen for Cincinnati Bearcats? The first round begins Thursday night at 8 p.m. with rounds two and three Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday, starting at noon is the final four rounds where UC's players are more than likely headed. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 2025 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bearcats probably destined for Day 3
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Former linebacker Steve Kiner dies at the age of 77 just hours before NFL Draft
Former NFL linebacker Steve Kiner died at the age of 77 Thursday, the National Football Foundation announced just hours before the 2025 Draft. Kiner was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee. 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Kiner, a true legend of our game,' NFF chairman Archie Manning said in a news release. No cause of death was given. 'Steve's remarkable career at Tennessee was defined by toughness, leadership and excellence, and he leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond the football field,' Manning continued. 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire Volunteer community.' Kiner was a consensus All-American as a junior in 1968 and a unanimous All-American in 1969 when he was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He intercepted five passes that season and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy balloting. Kiner was a third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 and played eight NFL seasons. He had 19 sacks and 10 interceptions in 114 games (99 starts) with the Cowboys (1970), New England Patriots (1971, 1973) and Houston Oilers (1974-78). Kiner was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Following his career on the field, Kiner earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in 1994. He later established a mental health therapy practice in Carrollton, Georgia. The news of Kiner's death broke just hours before the NFL Draft began in Green Bay Thursday. During the event, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to another late football legend. Chicago Bears Super Bowl winner Steve McKinnon died Wednesday at the age of 67 following a battle with ALS.
Reuters
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
College Football Hall of Famer, Tennessee great Steve Kiner dies
April 24 - College Football Hall of Famer Steve Kiner, a two-time All-American linebacker at Tennessee, died Thursday. He was 77. The National Football Foundation and Tennessee announced his death. No cause of death was revealed. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Kiner, a true legend of our game," NFF chairman Archie Manning said in a news release. "Steve's remarkable career at Tennessee was defined by toughness, leadership and excellence, and he leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond the football field. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire Volunteer community." Kiner was a consensus All-American as a junior in 1968 and a unanimous All-American in 1969 when he was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He intercepted five passes that season and finished ninth in Heisman Trophy balloting. Kiner was a third-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 and played eight NFL seasons. He had 19 sacks and 10 interceptions in 114 games (99 starts) with the Cowboys (1970), New England Patriots (1971, 1973) and Houston Oilers (1974-78). Kiner was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tennessee great Steve Kiner, hailed by Bear Bryant as SEC's best, dies at 77
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Steve Kiner, a stalwart of the Tennessee defense in the late 60s and a College Football Hall of Fame member, has died. He was 77 years old. After playing the 1966 season with the freshman team, Kiner established himself as one of the SEC's most dominant linebackers from 1967 to 1969. The Volunteers captured two SEC championships and a won 15 of their 18 conference matchups during that time. Alcoa's Halle Bailey following mom's famed footsteps to Tennessee softball team He was named 1967 SEC Sophomore of the Year, helping Tennessee earn a berth to the Orange Bowl. As an upperclassman he was All-SEC and All-America in 1968 and 1969, becoming the first Tennessee player under head coach Doug Dickey to twice earn the consensus recognition. Kiner was named 1969 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and finished ninth in voting for the Heisman Trophy. His remarkable performance in a win over Alabama where he recorded 14 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble prompted legendary Tide coach Bear Bryant to call Kiner 'the best in this league since Leroy Jordan played for us.' CONTINUING COVERAGE: University of Tennessee Football Kiner played nine season in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Houston Oilers. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999, the SEC Legends class in 1999 and the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
