Steve Meilinger UK Football Great Has Passed Away

[BigBluuDog]

A player in the 1950's with a retired jersey died today.He was All SEC and played in NFL later a United States Marshal and a real Class act ..He played 5 different positions at UK..Rest In Peace Wildcat..
Steve Meilinger, a two-year first-team All-American for Kentucky who was known as "Mr. Anywhere", has died at the age of 84. Meilinger was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in October of 2014. Meilinger excelled at positions all over the field earning him his unqiue nickname. The Bethlehem Pennsylvania native played quarterback, tight end and halfback on offense while on defense played linebacker, defensive back and defensive end. Meilinger also played on special teams and was a two-year starter at punter punter and also returned punts and returned kickoffs.

According to ukathletics.com, Meilinger set Kentucky's career records for pass receptions, receiving yardage and touchdowns with 75 catches for 1,210 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also rushed 134 times for 714 yards and five TDs and passed for 127 yards and a TD. On defense, no tackle stats were kept during that era but he made six pass interceptions

 

[Dallas-Wild]

I recall my dad telling me about this UK great....God Bless the family

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I don't recall ever hearing his name. Thanks for posting this. May Gods Grace shower his family with understanding and acceptance.

 

[BigBlueCatNation]

Probably the second greatest QB in Kentucky history passed today, second only to Babe Parilli. This man played for Bear Bryant and was inducted into the HOF in 2013. He did it all for the team, including winning the 1952 Cotton Bowl.

Because of his legendary status at Kentucky, the least he deserves is this thread and I think the guys here at Cats Illustrated need to write an article and post it on the main page. He deserves it, in my opinion.

 

[Oldtrainer]

Most versatile player I ever watched play at UK! One half time performance a band member wore a UK uniform with Steve's number. Heard long time assistant coach Buckshot Underwood say when Bear took the A&M job he was leaving the best player he ever recruited in Steve Meilinger!
RIP big guy.

 

[Chuckinden]

He was before my time, but everything I have read about him was that he was a great football player and a great man. RIP Steve.

 

[Kybluedude]

Wow! What a player. Seems like we used to get some great players from Pennsylvania. Like to get some more like Steve and Babe!

 

[halzbro1]

ring of honor at commonwealth stadium. rip Steve great wildcat!!!!!

 

[Gabewcat]

HE had a nice pro career with the Washington Redskins. I was too young to remember how he accomplished his everything status but I have read a lot of things about him. After Football, he was an air marshall during the days of planes being hi-jacked.
RIP Steve