College Football Hall of Famer, Tennessee great Steve Kiner dies

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."

The Tennessee Football Family mourns the loss of College Football Hall of Famer Steve Kiner, who has passed away at the age of 77.

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) April 24, 2025

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.

--Field Level Media