Steve Largent

Steve Largent – Life, Career, and Notable Reflections

Steve Largent (born September 28, 1954) is an American football legend turned politician. A Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks and later a U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma, his life blends athletic excellence, integrity, and civic service.

Introduction

Stephen Michael “Steve” Largent is remembered both as one of the NFL’s most dependable wide receivers and as a public servant with strong conservative convictions. Though he never possessed elite speed or size, his crisp route running, sure hands, work ethic, and mental discipline made him a star in the league. After a distinguished football career, he transitioned into politics—serving four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives—and later entered business and advocacy roles. His story is one of perseverance, principle, and adaptability.

Early Life and Education

Steve Largent was born on September 28, 1954, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He grew up in the local area and attended Putnam City High School in Oklahoma County, where he participated in football and other athletics.

He went on to the University of Tulsa, where he played football for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1976.

During his college career (1973–1975), Largent put up standout numbers: over those seasons he amassed 149 receptions, 2,504 yards, and 32 receiving touchdowns. In his senior year, he recorded 1,042 receiving yards and led the nation with 14 touchdown catches.

Despite those achievements, Largent was not a highly touted draft pick; in the 1976 NFL Draft, he was selected in the 4th round, pick 117, by the Houston Oilers.

Professional Football Career

Transition to Seattle & Early Challenges

Largent’s path to NFL stardom was not straightforward. After being drafted by Houston, he played in preseason games but the Oilers believed they had enough receivers and planned to cut him. Fortunately for him, the then-expansion Seattle Seahawks acquired him (in exchange for a future draft pick) before the 1976 regular season.

His first season with Seattle was promising: he caught 54 passes for 705 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Although Largent never had elite speed or exceptional physical gifts—in fact, he was often considered undersized by NFL standards—he compensated through precision route running, concentration, and excellent hands. His ability to gain extra yards after the catch and his toughness also contributed significantly.

Peak Years & Records

Over a 14-season career (1976–1989), all with Seattle, Largent became a model of consistency and durability. He missed only four games in his first 13 seasons.

Some of his notable achievements and records at the time of retirement:

• 819 receptions, setting the NFL career receptions mark upon retirement

• 13,089 receiving yards, the career yards record at that time

• 100 receiving touchdowns, becoming the first NFL receiver to reach the 100-touchdown mark

• He caught at least one pass in 177 consecutive regular-season games

• He led the NFL in receiving yards twice (1979 and 1985)

During his career, he was selected to seven Pro Bowls and had multiple All-Pro selections.

He also was honored with the NFL Man of the Year Award in 1988 for his off-field contributions and community involvement.

The Seattle Seahawks instituted the Steve Largent Award in 1989, recognizing the player (or coach) who best exemplifies Largent’s spirit, dedication, and integrity.

In recognition of his career, Largent was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 (in his first year of eligibility).

His jersey number, #80, was retired by the Seahawks.

Notable Moments & Legacy

One often-told incident: in a game against the Denver Broncos in 1988, Defensive back Mike Harden delivered a forearm blow that knocked Largent unconscious and broke two of his teeth. Largent later exacted symbolic revenge in a rematch, hustling over and delivering a blindside hit that forced a fumble (though that play was called back by a penalty).

Largent’s ability to catch passes in all weather conditions, maintain high production year after year, and break what seemed like untouchable records made him an exemplar at the receiver position and a standard for future generation wideouts.

Political Career & Public Service

After retiring from professional football, Largent returned to Oklahoma and became involved in politics.

On November 29, 1994, he won a special election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Jim Inhofe and began his service as a Republican member of Congress representing Oklahoma’s 1st District. He was reelected in 1996, 1998, and 2000, consistently winning more than 60% of the vote.

During his time in Congress, Largent aligned with conservative Christian values. He sponsored or supported legislation reflecting those principles (e.g. parental rights, social issues).

In 2002, he resigned from Congress in February in order to run for Governor of Oklahoma. Although initially leading in polls, he was narrowly defeated by Democrat Brad Henry, losing by around 7,000 votes.

Following his political career, Largent remained involved in business, advocacy, and leadership roles—particularly in the telecommunications and wireless industries.

Personality, Strengths & Challenges

• Work ethic & discipline: Largent’s career demonstrates relentless preparation, mental focus, and consistent performance. His success was built less on physical advantage and more on mastering fundamentals.

• Integrity & character: The Seahawks’ decision to name an award in his honor (the “Steve Largent Award”) suggests how highly he was regarded for his professionalism and personal qualities.

• Humility & underdog narrative: He entered the NFL with modest expectations and became a record-setting player—a testament to determination over prestige.

• Transition to public life: His pivot from athlete to legislator speaks to versatility and ambition, though the scrutiny of politics is different from sports.

• Political risk: His loss in the gubernatorial race underscores that name recognition and prior success do not guarantee political victory.

Selected Quotes & Reflections

Steve Largent is less known for aphoristic quotes than for his consistent example. Still, a few remarks and stories reflect his philosophy:

• On consistency:

  “I mean, I’m not bragging, but just going Sunday to Sunday, it will be a real rare game when I don’t catch a pass.”
  (From his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech)

• On perception vs. reality:
  He was sometimes criticized early in his career as being too small or slow for the NFL. But he often responded through his performance rather than retorting, letting his consistency prove critics wrong.

• On legacy and principle:
  Though not a pithy quote, his path suggests a view: excellence is sustained by values, not shortcuts.

Lessons from Steve Largent

1. Master fundamentals above all else. Even without elite physical gifts, one can excel through technique, concentration, and discipline.

2. Consistency compounds achievement. Doing your job well, day in and day out, leads to legacy.

3. Character endures beyond performance. Awards like the Steve Largent Award show that how you play the game matters as much as statistical success.

4. Life has many chapters. Transitioning from sports to public service demonstrates that one identity need not define an entire life.

5. Humility in success. His career suggests that confidence paired with humility draws respect—in life and sport.

Conclusion

Steve Largent occupies a unique place in American sports and political history. His ascent from a draft underdog to NFL record-holder, Hall of Famer, and then U.S. Congressman reflects not only athletic talent, but resilience, values, and ambition. His story invites us to see that professional achievement is not merely about natural gifts, but about character, steadiness, and choices.