Ken Phares holds the record for the longest punt return in Mississippi State history with a 90 yard punt return against Lamar University in 1971.[3] Phares was awarded with All-SEC honors in 1972 alongside his teammate, Frank Dowsing Jr. Phares was plagued by knee injuries through his college career, suffering an aggravated knee injury in the 1973 Blue-Gray bowl, where Phares intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown.[4] This injury forced him to miss the 1973 Senior Bowl. Prior to the 1973 draft, Phares was weighing between playing professional football and attending the University of Mississippi medical school, stating that "If a team makes me a good offer then I will definitely consider playing pro football, but if no team makes me an acceptable offer then medical school will get priority."[4]
After being drafted, Phares expressed surprise, stating "I was rather surprised I was picked as high in the draft as I was."[3] Phares never played for the Steelers, suffering a career ending knee injury on the first day of training camp.[5][6]
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