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Steve Owens

Running Back

Inducted 1991

Date of Birth

12/9/1947

Birthplace

Gore, OK

School

University of Oklahoma (1967-1969)

Bio

In three years at Oklahoma, 1967-1969, Steve Owens scored 56 touchdowns. This was an NCAA record for a three-year player. He had a string of 17 straight 100-yard games which set a then NCAA record. In his junior year, he scored five touchdowns in a game against Nebraska. In 1969, he led the nation in rushing (1,523 yards) and scoring (138 points). He scored 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, 21 as a junior, 23 as a senior. He was a workhorse and carried the ball 55 times in 1969 against Oklahoma State gaining 266 yards. In 1969, he was unanimous All-America and winner of the Heisman Trophy. Owens played seven years with the Detroit Lions; a knee injury ended his career. After his football days, he founded Steve Owens Insurance in Norman, Oklahoma. He broadcast Oklahoma games on a 300-station radio network. He became very active in civic work and served as spokesman for the Ronald McDonald House. Owens is a native of Miami, Oklahoma; a street is named for him there.