Tag Archives: steve wisniewski

Wisniewski, Steve “The Wiz”

Card: Action Packed All Madden Team 1991
Acquired: In Person, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1991

Originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the stacked 1989 draft, Wisniewski’s rights were immediately traded to the Los Angeles Raiders.  A two time All-American out of Penn State, “The Wiz” as he was affectionately known was one of the last great moves of the Raiders organization during the 1980s.  Wisniewski would play in 8 Pro Bowls over his 13 seasons and was named to the All-Decade Team of the 1990s. A fine technician, Steve had great feet and was well coordinated athlete -which allowed him to compete at the upper echelon of the league and handle bull rushing defensive tackles with ease. Steve was also considered in many circles to be one of the dirtiest players in the league and in 1997 topped the rankings list.  He retired in 2001 as a member of the Oakland Raider organization after starting 175 games.

I got Steve’s autograph at Dallas Cowboys training camp, where he personalized the card with a passage from the bible. Philippians 1:13. “As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.” An interesting passage. Steve since football has continued his quest for Christ. As a born again Christian he works with fellow ex-Raider Napoleon Kaufman’s church, and sells software for CIMA systems to the automotive industry. His fondest memory was being selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in 1990, and most enjoyed playing against the arch rival Chiefs. Offensive linemen- specifically Guards rarely if ever get selected for the NFL HoF, and Steve is one amongst many that should have more fair consideration.