Steve O'Neal

Former American football punter and wide receiver who holds the record for the longest punt in professional football history

What is Steve O'Neal known for?

Stephen James O'Neal, born February 4, 1946, in Hearne, Texas, USA, is a distinguished alumni of Hearne High School in Hearne, Texas. Known as both a punter and a wide receiver in American football, Steve O'Neal embarked on his career at Texas A&M University before being selected in the 13th round, 21st pick of the 1969 draft by the New York Jets.

His football journey took him through the ranks of the New York Jets from 1969 to 1972, and later the New Orleans Saints in 1973. However, it was during his tenure with the Jets that he launched a record-setting 98-yard punt during an American Football League (AFL) game against the Denver Broncos on September 21, 1969. This incredible feat remains the longest punt in both AFL and professional football history!

Apart from his exceptional contribution to punting, O'Neal performed incredibly as a wide receiver as well. Throughout his professional career, he managed to accumulate 337 punts for an impressive total of 13,725 yards, averaging 40.7 yards per punt.

Before the 1973 season, O'Neal was traded by the Jets to the New Orleans Saints, along with the quarterback Bob Davis, in exchange for wide receiver Margene Adkins and punter Julian Fagan. In his last season with the Saints in 1973, O'Neal set a career-high with 81 punts. Despite some preseason struggles in 1974, he left a significant mark in the sport, particularly with his record-setting punt.

For more information and statistics, you can visit his profile on Pro-Football-Reference.com.