#1. 3 TIMES NFL CHAMPION – Steve won 3 NFL Super Bowl Championships as the starting tackle with the San Francisco 49ers. For 12 seasons he was a celebrated blocker for NFL Hall-of-Famers Joe Montana, Steve Young and Jerry Rice.
#2. 10 TIMES NFC DIVISION CHAMPION – Because Steve played with the 49ers on 10 division championship teams he has played in more playoff games than any other tackle in the history of the NFL. Steve and receiver Jerry Rice are immortalized on the 49ers “Team of the Eighties” commemorative stamp symbolizing the team’s winning tradition.
#3. PRO BOWL CAREER – In his rookie year Steve was voted to the NFL’s All-Rookie Team, was selected twice to the NFL Pro Bowl and 4 times he earned a spot on the ‘All Madden Team.’ As one of John Madden’s favorite players, Steve’s jersey number (74) has been immortalized in the video game Madden NFL.
#4. INSPIRATION FOR ‘THE BLIND SIDE’ – Chapter 9 of the book “The Blind Side” by Michael Lewis titled ‘Birth of a Star’ prominently features Steve’s groundbreaking NFL career and revolutionary play at the left tackle position that brought that position into the NFL spotlight. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the team’s success, Steve became the team’s untradable ‘franchise player‘ in 1993 and in 1995 became the first offensive lineman to sign an NFL contract worth $10 million. Steve is also spoken of highly by his legendary coach Bill Walsh in several other 49er commemorative books for his skill at watching the quarterback’s back.
#5. PIONEER in preventing SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSIONS – Steve was pretty serious about his job protecting ‘the blind side’ of highly-paid quarterbacks Montana and Young. His dedication resulted in five concussions before he voluntarily became one of the first players to wear and make famous the protective PROCAP. Today he’s serious about preventing sports-related concussions and often speaks to young athletes on the topic. SEE ALSO:
- CampusTalkBlog - ATTENTION ATHLETES: You shouldn’t be in college if your head’s not on straight!
- ESPN - Change in helmets needed for 2011
#6. AUBURN UNIVERSITY ALL-AMERICAN – Starting at the tackle position for legendary coach Pat Dye and lead blocker for Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson, the NCAA voted Steve All-American, Lineman of the Year, All Southeastern Conference Team, All Legends Team and Auburn University’s Team of the Century. He was drafted in the 4th round by the 49ers. In 2011, Steve was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame which includes such prestigious members as Joe Louis, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Charles Barkley, Bo Jackson and Bear Bryant.
#7. HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER – A true athlete, Steve lettered in football, basketball and track at Chamblee High School in Atlanta, GA resulting in recruiting attempts by 57 leading colleges including Florida State, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, UCLA and the University of Wisconsin. He accepted an athletic scholarship from Auburn University.
#8. MENTOR and ROLE MODEL – During his career with the 49ers, Steve appeared in United Way commercials, was voted Community & Charity Player of the Year and had a continuing role as team spokesman. Today he mentors young athletes through the non-profit Steve Wallace Foundation for Everyday Champions and in recent years, Steve has become friend and mentor to fellow Auburn Alum, Heisman Winner and NFL sensation Cam Newton. (See Steve’s Speaker Demo Video featuring endorsements by Cam Newton and Auburn Coach Gene Chizik during their NCAA Championship and Heisman Trophy season)
#9. STEVE KNOWS WINNING – Steve’s record is 21-0! In 21 years of playing football – from middle school through his professional career – Steve never played on a team with a losing record. In fact his worst season was 10-6 with the 1992 49ers! Today as a professional speaker, Steve talks to college students, leaders, athletes, and young people on his perspectives on winning, focus, team play, leadership and concussions.
#10. Oh… by the way… If that’s not enough to keep you entertained… Steve’s big brother is long-time, famous comedian George Wallace… Plan not be be bored, it’s in his genes! In addition to Steve’s 3 super Bowl Rings, there are 3 more in the family – Cousin Amani Toomer has one with the New York Giants and Bobby Hamilton (married into the family) has 2 with the New England Patriots. And Steve’s cousin Barry Anderson has been an NFL official since 2007. Steve knows football! Steve knows leadership. Steve knows winning!
SEE ALSO – Steve Wallace, American Football, Wikipedia
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