Kordell Stewart, often remembered by his nickname "Slash," played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) and left a unique footprint on the game. Born on October 16, 1972, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stewart attended the University of Colorado, where he showcased his athletic prowess. His college career was highlighted by a memorable play known as the "Miracle at Michigan," a game-winning 64-yard Hail Mary pass against the University of Michigan in 1994.
Stewart entered the NFL when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Initially, he was utilized in a variety of roles, including wide receiver and running back, which earned him the nickname "Slash" for his ability to play multiple positions. This versatility was a testament to his athletic ability and adaptability on the field.
In 1997, Stewart became the starting quarterback for the Steelers. That season, he led the team to an 11-5 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. Stewart's dual-threat capability as both a passer and a runner made him a challenging opponent for defenses. He threw for 3,020 yards and 21 touchdowns while also rushing for 476 yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Despite his strong performance in 1997, Stewart's career was marked by inconsistency. He faced challenges with turnovers and accuracy, which led to fluctuating performances in subsequent seasons. In 1998 and 1999, the Steelers struggled, and Stewart's role as the starting quarterback was questioned. He was eventually benched in favor of other quarterbacks, including Mike Tomczak and Kent Graham.
Stewart regained the starting position in 2001, leading the Steelers to a 13-3 record and another appearance in the AFC Championship Game. That year, he was selected to the Pro Bowl and was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year. However, the team fell short of reaching the Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots.
Following the 2002 season, Stewart's time with the Steelers came to an end. He signed with the Chicago Bears in 2003, where he started seven games before being replaced by Chris Chandler and later Rex Grossman. Stewart's tenure with the Bears was brief, and he was released after one season.
In 2004, Stewart joined the Baltimore Ravens as a backup quarterback and occasional wide receiver. He played sparingly over two seasons, primarily serving in a reserve role behind starter Kyle Boller. Stewart's NFL career concluded after his stint with the Ravens, as he did not sign with another team following the 2005 season.
Throughout his career, Stewart's ability to play multiple positions and his athleticism were both assets and challenges.
🏈