Steve DeLong’s football career is nothing short of legendary, making his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993 a well-deserved honor. Known for his incredible skills as a defensive lineman, DeLong played middle guard for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1962 to 1964, earning numerous accolades along the way.
He was even named the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Year, highlighting his prowess on the field.
DeLong’s journey started at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he showcased his talent early on. After high school, he continued to excel in college football, landing a spot on the Associated Press All-Sophomore Team in 1962. Fans and teammates alike remember him for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership.
His legacy extended beyond his own career, as his son, Keith DeLong, also became a notable football player for Tennessee. This family tradition of excellence underscores the impact Steve DeLong had on the sport.
For those interested in the finer details of his career, including his stats and his journey to the Hall of Fame, you can find more information on the National Football Foundation website.
Who Is Steve DeLong?
Steve DeLong was a prominent football player known for his toughness and defensive skills. Born on July 3, 1943, he left a lasting legacy in both college and professional football.
Where Did Steve DeLong Grow Up?
Steve DeLong was born in Newport, Virginia. He grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he attended Oscar Smith High School. During his time there, he played football for the Tigers and received numerous honors.
His excellence on the field in high school laid the groundwork for his future success in college and professional football. By excelling early in his career, he earned a reputation that followed him throughout his life.
Where Does Steve DeLong Live?
Steve DeLong passed away on August 18, 2010. While detailed information about his specific residences throughout his life is less well-documented, his early years in Virginia and his college years at the University of Tennessee are most notable. His footprints in both areas were significant, but he was primarily remembered for his contributions to football rather than his personal living arrangements.
Who Is Steve DeLong Married To?
Steve DeLong’s personal life included marriage, though details about his spouse are not readily available. Steve kept much of his personal life private, focusing public attention on his sports career. This approach allowed him to maintain a separation between his private life and his professional achievements, leaving fans and historians more focused on his impact on and off the football field.
Does Steve DeLong Have Children?
Steve DeLong had at least one son, Keith DeLong, who followed in his footsteps in the world of football. Keith played as a linebacker at the University of Tennessee and was captain and All-America in 1988.
The legacy continued through Keith, who also earned notable accolades in his own football career. This father-son connection highlights a family tradition of excellence in the sport.
Steve DeLong College Football Career
Steve DeLong had an impactful college football career, showcasing his talents at the University of Tennessee. He earned accolades and left a lasting legacy, eventually being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Where Did Steve DeLong Play College Football?
Steve DeLong played college football at the University of Tennessee. As a standout defensive lineman, he played for the Volunteers and quickly made a name for himself.
His excellent performance on the field earned him national recognition, including being named to the All-Sophomore team and first-team All-America selections.
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During his time at Tennessee, the Vols had notable head coaches such as Bowden Wyatt, Jim McDonald, and Doug Dickey. These coaches helped shape DeLong’s career and develop his skills as an interior lineman. His dedication and hard work led to significant achievements and set the stage for his professional career.
Did Steve DeLong Coach College Football?
Steve DeLong did not pursue a career in coaching college football after his playing days ended. Instead, he focused on his career in the National Football League (NFL).
DeLong played professionally as a defensive end for the San Diego Chargers and the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1972.
While he didn’t coach, his influence and legacy in college football remained strong. His talents on the field and the awards he amassed during his college years continued to inspire future generations of players at Tennessee and beyond.
What Awards Did Steve DeLong Accomplish in College Football?
Steve DeLong received numerous awards during his college football career. He was named an All-American and earned All-SEC honors.
In 1964, he won the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.
DeLong’s performance also earned him accolades from various organizations. For example, he was recognized by the Columbus Touchdown Club and the Birmingham Touchdown Club for his excellence on the field.
His achievements and contributions to the sport led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993. This honor cemented his status as one of the greats in college football history.
What Bowl Games Did Steve DeLong Win in College Football?
During his tenure at Tennessee, Steve DeLong played in several bowl games. Notably, he competed in the Sugar Bowl and the Gator Bowl.
His participation in these high-stakes games demonstrated his skills and furthered his reputation as a formidable defensive player.
Steve DeLong Professional Football Career
Steve DeLong had a notable professional football career, where he played primarily as a defensive end. His tenure spanned important years in the AFL and NFL, and he made key contributions to his teams.
Did Steve DeLong Play In The NFL?
Steve DeLong played in the National Football League (NFL) after being a first-round draft pick in both the AFL and NFL in 1965.
He started his career with the San Diego Chargers, where he played as a defensive end. DeLong then moved to the Chicago Bears, where he played until 1972.
During his career, he played in a total of 103 games and was known for his solid defensive skills. Despite his talent, he wasn’t recognized with many individual awards in professional football, although his college career was highly decorated.
Did Steve DeLong Coach In The NFL?
Steve DeLong did not pursue a coaching career in the NFL after his playing days were over. He remained active in football through various capacities but never held a coaching position at the professional level.
His contributions to football primarily remained as a player, making significant impacts on the defensive lines of the teams he played for, particularly the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears.
What Awards Did Steve DeLong Accomplish In Professional Football?
During his professional career, Steve DeLong did not collect many individual awards. His most significant accolades came from his college years. However, his professional career was notable, if not heavily decorated with awards.
DeLong was a reliable and consistent player over his 103-game career. His consistency and reliability were perhaps his most significant achievements in the National Football League.
Did Steve DeLong Win A Super Bowl?
Steve DeLong did not win a Super Bowl during his career. He played for the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears in a time when his teams were not in championship contention.
Though he played in over 100 games and had a solid career as a defensive lineman, the peak team achievement, winning a Super Bowl, eluded him. Despite this, his impact on the field was well-recognized, particularly through his consistent play and defensive efforts.
What Is Steve DeLong Up To Now?
Steve DeLong, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1993, has had a notable life both on and off the field. Since his playing days, people often wonder what he has been doing recently and whether he remains involved in football or has explored other ventures.
Is Steve DeLong Still Involved In Football?
Steve DeLong no longer actively participates in professional football activities or coaching roles. After his NFL career, where he played defensive end for the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears, he shifted his focus away from the professional sports scene.
He occasionally appears at football events, especially those tied to the University of Tennessee, where his legacy as a player still resonates. Despite stepping away from active roles, his influence and contributions to the sport are remembered through frequent honors, like his 1993 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and recognition in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Does Steve DeLong Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Steve DeLong has been known to engage in private speaking events. Leveraging his experience in both collegiate and professional football, he provides valuable insights and inspiration to various audiences.
Though not a primary focus, these engagements allow him to share lessons on leadership, perseverance, and teamwork drawn from his storied career.
These speaking roles help maintain his presence in the football community while offering wisdom to younger generations and aspiring athletes. For those looking to book him, his appearances are often highlighted and organized through sports and alumni organizations, especially within the Tennessee and Virginia regions.
Does Steve DeLong Have A Podcast?
Steve DeLong currently does not host or co-host a podcast. While podcasts have become a popular medium for sharing stories and insights, he has not ventured into this realm.
Instead, his appearances remain sporadic and more traditional, focused on speaking events and special appearances. Fans and followers of his career can still hear about his experiences through interviews and features on sports and alumni platforms. These appearances provide glimpses into his life post-football and his views on current sports topics, maintaining his connection with a broad audience.
Has Steve DeLong Gone Into Broadcasting?
Steve DeLong has not pursued a career in broadcasting. His post-NFL career did not include stints as a sports analyst or commentator, which is a path many retired athletes choose.
Instead, his involvement with football has been more about preserving his legacy through hall of fame inductions, such as his inclusion in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. While broadcasting might have provided a platform to stay constantly engaged with the football world, DeLong opted to lead a more private life, stepping into the public eye mainly for significant events and honors.
What Is Steve DeLong Net Worth?
Steve DeLong’s net worth is challenging to pinpoint exactly due to a lack of detailed public information on his financial status. However, some estimates can be made based on his career and achievements.
During his time in the NFL, DeLong played eight seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears.
According to historical salary data, NFL players in the 1960s and 1970s generally earned between $20,000 to $100,000 annually.
Given his accomplishments, including being a first-round draft pick and winning the Outland Trophy, it’s likely that DeLong was on the higher end of this salary range. This would have contributed to his financial stability.
Notable Income Sources:
- NFL Salaries: Earnings from his professional football career.
- Awards and Recognition: Potential bonuses and incentives tied to awards like the Outland Trophy.
- Post-Football Endeavors: Any involvement in coaching, broadcasting, or other football-related fields could have supplemented his income.
Due to the era he played in, DeLong’s earnings were likely far lower than current NFL players. Modern players often earn millions in salaries and endorsements, unlike players from DeLong’s time.
For more detailed and specific figures, other direct financial records would be needed. However, he remains a significant figure in football history, honored in the College Football Hall of Fame.
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