Biography
Les Steckel, born on July 1, 1946, in Upland, California, is a former American football player and coach who made significant contributions to the NFL. He played as a tight end and linebacker during his collegiate career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before being selected in the 14th round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Steckel’s professional playing career spanned four seasons in the NFL, where he notably played for the Vikings and the New England Patriots.
Following his playing career, Steckel transitioned into coaching, where he became recognized for his offensive strategies and player development. He served as an assistant coach for several NFL teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, the San Diego Chargers, and the Seattle Seahawks, before being appointed head coach of the Minnesota Vikings during the 1984 season. His tenure as head coach was marked by challenges, but he is credited with mentoring players and contributing to the development of the team’s future successes.
Steckel’s legacy in the NFL is characterized by his dual role as both a player and coach, influencing strategies and techniques that have been adopted in the league. Beyond his professional career, he is recognized for his contributions to collegiate and high school football, fostering the growth of the sport at various levels. His commitment to football and coaching has left a lasting impact on the athletes he trained and mentored throughout his career.