Hall of Fame
Aaron Stecker, 2010 - Aaron Stecker rewrote the Western Illinois record books during his two years with the Leathernecks, helping win two Gateway Conference titles and consecutive appearances in the NCAA playoffs. During his junior year (1997) Stecker led the nation in scoring and set program records with 2,293 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns as Western advanced to the second round of the playoffs. He would eventually finish second in the Walter Payton Award voting, still the highest-finish ever by a Leatherneck for the prestigious national 'Offensive Player of the Year' award, and won the Gateway Conference 'Offensive Player of the Year' and 'Newcomer of the Year' awards.
Stecker rushed for 1,506 yards his senior year with 14 touchdowns as Western advanced to the semifinals of the I-AA playoffs - still the highest Division I finish by a Leatherneck Football team. He helped the Leathernecks to a 22-5 record during his two-year career. He earned First Team All-America honors by several organizations in 1997, then followed with more All-America accolades his senior year. Even though he played just two years with the Leathernecks, Stecker still ranks third among the all-time rushing leaders (3,799 yards) and rushing touchdowns (41). He was the all-time leader in both categories after concluding his career. His 19 100-yard rushing games tie for second all-time and he also ranks second with six 200-yard rushing efforts.
Stecker retired from the National Football League, spending 11 years between Tampa Bay (1999-2003), New Orleans (2004-08) and Atlanta (2009). He is one of only eight Leatherneck student-athletes to win a Super Bowl Championship as a player, helping the Buccaneers defeat Oakland 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII.
During his 11-year professional career Stecker was allocated to NFL Europe. While playing overseas, he was named NFL Europe 'Most Valuable Player' and MVP of the World Bowl.
He and his wife Kara (a graduate of Western Illinois) have two children, Skylar and Dorsett. They are involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and support the Kids Wish Network. Stecker and his family currently reside in Verona, Wisconsin.
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