Frank Steen

Last updated

Frank Steen
No. 36
Position: End
Personal information
Born:(1913-10-05)October 5, 1913
Longview, Texas, U.S.
Died:April 2, 1998(1998-04-02) (aged 84)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school: Forest Avenue (TX)
College: Rice (1933–1937)
Undrafted: 1938
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:3
Player stats at PFR

Frank William Steen (October 5, 1913 – April 2, 1998) was an American football end. He played college football for the Rice Owls. Although not selected in the National Football League Draft, he signed with the Green Bay Packers for the 1939 season and played three games as they won the NFL championship.

Contents

Early life

Frank William Steen was born on October 5, 1913, in Longview, Texas. [1] He attended Forest Avenue High School (now known as James Madison High School) in Dallas, Texas, and is one of only five of their alumni to ever make it to the NFL, and the only one from when they were named Forest Avenue. [2] [3] He was an all-state choice as a senior, with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noting that his selection was "almost unanimous." [4] After graduating from high school, Steen began attending Rice University in 1933. [5]

College career

Steen was a three-sport athlete at Rice, playing basketball as a forward, football as an end, and baseball as a third baseman. [6] [7] He began seeing significant playing time in football as a sophomore in 1934, lettering while earning first-team all-conference honors from the Austin American-Statesman and helping Rice win the conference championship. [5] [8] [9] The American-Statesman described him as an end "of the spectacular, slashing type who love[s] to wade full tilt into the opposing backfield. [His] reckless, colorful tactics please the crowd [and] annoy enemies no end." [9]

However, late in 1934 Steen was placed on probation due to poor grades in the classroom and in December he was suspended until fall of 1935. [10] He was not able to play in the 1935 season due to this. [5] [11] The Waco News-Tribune noted that he was "one of the most promising ends in the United States" and said that his loss was a "tough blow" for the 1935 Rice team, mentioning that "[h]e cannot be replaced without a loss of strength." [12]

Steen was able to return to the Rice football team in 1936 and was described by his coach at the start of the season as a "clever, smashing end." [13] [14] He started at end for the team and The Campanile, Rice's yearbook, noted that he was one of "the outstanding ends in the conference" and that "his fiery aggressive play was one of the features of the Rice defense." [7] [15]

As a senior in 1937, Steen helped Rice compile an overall record of 6–3–2, win the conference championship, and earn a trip to the Cotton Bowl. [16] In the team's rivalry game against Texas, he caught a pass to score the game-winning touchdown which was met with much controversy. [17] [18] Rice supporters argued that the ball had not touched the ground, while Texas supporters believed that it did; the referees ruled the play in Rice's favor, but were met with protest from Texas fans. [17] [18] At the end of the season, he was chosen second-team all-conference by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . [19] Steen graduated in 1938. [5]

Professional career

Steen was not selected in the 1938 NFL draft. [5] He played no football that year and worked for an oil company; in the summer of 1939, he played for the Daytona Beach minor league baseball team as an outfielder. [20] He was signed by the Green Bay Packers in January 1939, and measured at the time 6 ft 2 in and 200 pounds. [21] He reportedly performed "sensational" in the team's preseason game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, catching several long passes. [22] He made the final roster and appeared in three games, one as a starter, before being released at the start of October. [1] [23] The Packers went on to win the NFL championship that season. [24] He did not play for any other professional team afterwards. [5]

Later life and death

Steen enlisted in the United States Armed Forces to serve in World War II the year after his stint with the Packers. [25] He died on April 2, 1998, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 84. [5]

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The 1939 Texas A&M Aggies football team was an American football team that represented Texas A&M University in the Southwest Conference during the 1939 college football season. In their sixth year under head coach Homer Norton, the Aggies compiled a perfect 11-0 record, shut out six of eleven opponents, won the Southwest Conference championship, and outscored all opponents by a total of 212 to 31.

The 1920 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1920 college football season. In their first year under head coach George McLaren, the Razorbacks compiled a 3–2–2 record, finished in third place in the SWC, shut out five of their nine opponents, and outscored all opponents by a combined total of 42 to 22.

The 1945 Texas Longhorns football team was an American football team that represented the University of Texas as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1945 college football season. In their ninth year under head coach Dana X. Bible, the Longhorns compiled an overall record of 10–1, with a mark of 5–1 in conference play, and finished as SWC champion. Texas concluded their season with a victory over Missouri in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

The 1934 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1934 college football season. In its first season under head coach Jimmy Kitts, the team compiled a 9–1–1 record, won the conference championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 204 to 44.

The 1946 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University in the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1946 college football season. In their seventh year under head coach Jess Neely, the Owls compiled a 9–2 record, tied with Arkansas for the conference championship, outscored all opponents by a total of 245 to 62, and were ranked No. 10 in the final AP Poll. They were invited to the 1947 Orange Bowl where they defeated SEC co-champion No. 7 Tennessee.

The 1933 Texas Longhorns football team was an American football team that represented the University of Texas as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1933 college football season. In their seventh year under head coach Clyde Littlefield, the Longhorns compiled an overall record of 4–5–2, with a mark of 2–3–1 in conference play, and finished fifth in the SWC.

The 1946 TCU Horned Frogs football team was an American football team that represented Texas Christian University (TCU) in the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1946 college football season. In their 13th year under head coach Dutch Meyer, the Horned Frogs compiled a 2–7–1 record and were outscored by a total of 148 to 90.

The 1915 TCU Horned Frogs football team represented Texas Christian University (TCU) as a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association during the 1915 college football season. Led by Ewing Y. Freeland in his first and only year as head coach, the Horned Frogs compiled an overall record of 4–5. TCU their home games in Fort Worth, Texas. The team's captain was John P. Cox, who played fullback. The school adopted the Horned Frogs nickname in the spring of 1915.

The 1961 Rice Owls football team represented Rice University during the 1961 college football season. The Owls were led by 22nd-year head coach Jess Neely and played their home games at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas. They competed as members of the Southwest Conference, finishing in third. Rice finished the regular season with a record of 7–3. Their September 30th loss to Georgia Tech was the last time they were ranked in the AP Poll (#7) as Rice began to fade from the national spotlight in the 1960s. The Owls were invited to the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl, played at their home Rice Stadium, where they were defeated by Kansas. Rice would not make another bowl game again until the 2006 New Orleans Bowl.

The 1917 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1917 college football season. In its sixth season under head coach Philip Arbuckle, the team compiled a 7–1 record, and outscored opponents by a total of 228 to 55.

The 1916 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1916 college football season. In its fifth season under head coach Philip Arbuckle, the team compiled a 6–1–2 record and outscored opponents by a total of 346 to 62.

The 1915 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1915 college football season. In its fourth season under head coach Philip Arbuckle, the team compiled a 5–3 record and was outscored by a total of 143 to 122.

The 1918 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1918 college football season. In its first season under head coach John E. Anderson, the team compiled a 1–5–1 record and was outscored by a total of 62 to 13.

The 1923 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1923 college football season. In its eleventh season under head coach Philip Arbuckle, the team compiled a 3–5 record and was outscored by a total of 94 to 35.

The 1930 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1930 college football season. In its second season under head coach Jack Meagher, the team compiled an 8–4 record and was outscored by a total of 135 to 91.

The 1936 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1936 college football season. In its third season under head coach Jimmy Kitts, the team compiled a 5–7 record and outscored opponents by a total of 127 to 108.

The 1938 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1938 college football season. In its fifth season under head coach Jimmy Kitts, the team compiled a 4–6 record and was outscored by a total of 133 to 91.

The 1939 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1939 college football season. In its sixth season under head coach Jimmy Kitts, the team compiled a 1–9–1 record and was outscored by a total of 143 to 77.

The 1944 Rice Owls football team was an American football team that represented Rice University as a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC) during the 1944 college football season. In its fifth season under head coach Jess Neely, the team compiled a 5–6 record and was outscored by a total of 163 to 143.

The 1939 St. Edward's Crusaders football team was an American football team that represented St. Edward's University as a member of the Texas Conference during 1933 college football season. Led by Bill Pierce in his fourth season as head coach, the team compiled a record of 6–3 overall with a mark of 5–1 in conference play, sharing the Texas Conference title with Abilene Christian. St. Edward's changed its fight name from the Tigers to the Crusaders prior to the season.

References

  1. 1 2 "Frank Steen Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on October 10, 2016. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Forest Avenue (Dallas, TX) Alumni Pro Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  3. ↑ "James Madison (Dallas, TX) Alumni Pro Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Owl Slimes Long On Ends, Halfbacks". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . September 24, 1933. p. 11. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Frank Steen Stats". Pro Football Archives. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  6. ↑ Hart, Weldon (April 29, 1938). "Vocal Revenge". Austin American-Statesman . p. 13. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. 1 2 The Campanile. Rice University. 1937. pp. 215, 221, 231. hdl:1911/105977 . Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  8. ↑ "1934 Rice Owls Schedule and Results". Sports-Reference.com . Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  9. 1 2 Hart, Weldon (December 3, 1934). "Statesman's All-Conference Squad Includes Five Steers On Two Teams". Austin American-Statesman . p. 6. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  10. ↑ "Frank Steen Lost To Rice Grid Team". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Associated Press. December 30, 1934. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. ↑ Hart, Weldon (December 31, 1934). "Sports Situation". Austin American-Statesman . p. 6. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. ↑ "Jinx's Hot Shots". The Waco News-Tribune . January 9, 1935. p. 9. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  13. ↑ "Steen Expected To Be Eligible For Football". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Associated Press. January 7, 1936. p. 15. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  14. ↑ M'Knight, Felix (September 19, 1936). "Fort Worth Boy Brings Smiles to Jimmy Kitts". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . p. 3. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  15. ↑ Hall, Flem (November 17, 1936). "Some Big Old Birds On Owl Team". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . p. 19. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  16. ↑ "1937 Rice Owls Schedule and Results". Sports-Reference.com . Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  17. 1 2 Hart, Weldon (August 21, 1939). "Frank Steen Goes to Green Bay Packers, and That Brings Up That Famous Play in '37 Game". Austin American-Statesman . p. 2. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  18. 1 2 "Texas Students to Hold Protest Pep Rally". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . Associated Press. October 25, 1937. p. 15. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  19. ↑ Hall, Flem (December 5, 1937). "T.C.U., Baylor Take Six Berths on 'All-Conference'". Fort Worth Star-Telegram . p. 16. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  20. ↑ "Steen Candidate For End Spot on Green Bay Squad". Green Bay Press-Gazette . September 12, 1939. p. 11. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  21. ↑ "Sign Frank Steen". Marshfield News-Herald . Associated Press. January 28, 1939. p. 10. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  22. ↑ Torinus, John (August 26, 1939). "9,416 Fans See Packers Humble Pirate Gridders". Green Bay Press-Gazette . p. 9, 10. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  23. ↑ "Green Bay Packers Give Twedell, Steen the Gate". The Capital Times . Associated Press. October 4, 1939. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  24. ↑ "1939 Green Bay Packers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on April 11, 2023. Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  25. ↑ Ancestry.com. U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 (subscription required). Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
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