Aleksandar Stepanovich (/stɛˈpɑːnoʊvɪtʃ/ steh-PAHN-o-vitch; born September 25, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.[1] He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Stepanovich has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
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| Position: | Center | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | September 25, 1981 Berea, Ohio, U.S. | ||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 296 lb (134 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Berea | ||||||
| College: | Ohio State | ||||||
| NFL draft: | 2004 / round: 4 / pick: 100 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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Early life
editIn 2000, Stepanovich graduated from Berea High School in Berea, Ohio. A gifted athlete who's drive made Stepanovich one of the best offensive lineman in the country during his junior and senior years, he made numerous All-American teams along with being well decorated with numerous awards as a high school football player. He was also an accomplished wrestler in high school, winning the heavyweight state championship in 2000 and runner-up in 1999. He was a nationally ranked wrestler throughout high school, with multiple MVP's in national and state tournaments, along with two Pioneer Conference MVP's. He was also known for his generosity to helping the youth in his area. Stepanovich's legacy will be forever etched in Ohio with multiple Life Achievement awards for sports and giving back to his community. In Oct. 2023 the Ohio Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted Stepanovich into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma as its unanimous selection as its "Outstanding American".
College career
editWell respected amongst his teammates, known for his work ethic and toughness, regarded as one of the top centers in college football during 2001 and 2002 at The Ohio State University, he shifted to guard in his senior campaign and started 26 games during his college football career and was an All-Big Ten and All-American performer. A four-year lettermen while at OSU, his career culminated with a Buckeye tree being planted in his honor in Buckeye Grove joining all other first-team All-Americans at OSU.
Professional career
editArizona Cardinals
editThe Cardinals selected him in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft and Stepanovich moved into the starting lineup.[2][1] He started every game for the Cardinals in 2004 without missing a single offensive snap and made several All-Rookie teams, along with being the first rookie center in franchise history to start all 16 games.[1] He continued as a starter for much of 2005 and 2006 before going on injured reserve.
The Cardinals elected not to tender him an offer for 2007, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Cincinnati Bengals
editIn March, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Stepanovich to a one-year deal for 2007. He played in all 16 games and started 5.
Atlanta Falcons
editOn March 10, 2008, Stepanovich was signed by the Atlanta Falcons to a three-year deal. He was released on June 17, 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers
editStepanovich signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 10, 2009. He was waived on August 31. Injuries forced his time in Pittsburgh and career short.
References
edit- ^ a b c Arizona Cardinals bio Archived April 20, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "2004 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 6, 2023.