Steve McLendon is a former American football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He began his football career at Carroll High School in Louisiana, where he played as a defensive tackle and helped his team win the state championship in 2002.
After high school, McLendon attended Troy University, where he played college football for the Troy Trojans. He was a standout player on the defensive line and was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team in his senior year.
McLendon went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft but was signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent his first few seasons with the Steelers as a backup defensive tackle and special teams player. However, he gradually earned more playing time and became a key member of the team's defensive line rotation.
In 2013, McLendon became the starting nose tackle for the Steelers and played a crucial role in the team's defense. He was known for his strength, quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He remained with the Steelers until 2016, when he signed with the New York Jets as a free agent.
McLendon played for the Jets for four seasons and was a team captain for two of those years. He continued to be a dominant force on the defensive line and was respected by his teammates and coaches for his leadership and work ethic.
In 2020, McLendon was traded back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he had played briefly earlier in his career. He played a key role in the Buccaneers' run to the Super Bowl that season, providing veteran leadership and solid play on the defensive line.
After the 2020 season, McLendon became a free agent and signed with the Arizona Cardinals. However, he announced his retirement from the NFL in August 2021, ending his 12-year career.
Throughout his career, McLendon was known for his toughness, work ethic, and leadership. He was a respected player and teammate and was admired by fans and coaches alike. Despite going undrafted, he proved himself to be a valuable player in the NFL and had a successful career as a defensive tackle.
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