The Green Bay Packers family lost a former member of their defense on Tuesday.
According to the University of Montana, Steve Okoniewski, who starred for the Grizzlies in the early 70s, passed away at the age of 74-years-old.
We lost a Montana legend. Steve Okoniewski was a Grizzly All-American and 2nd-round NFL Draft pick in 1972. After a six-year NFL career, he became an educator and a state-champion high school football coach in Montana and Wisconsin. Our hearts are with his family.
Okoniewski played for the Packers for two of his six pro seasons where he started at right defensive tackle in 1974. Selected 41st overall by the Atlanta Falcons, Okoniewski played his first couple years with the Buffalo Bills before joining Green Bay and eventually retiring with the St. Louis Cardinals.
During Okoniewski’s stint with the Pack, he received some high praise from the legendary Bart Starr. Who said of the DT before his training camp cut: “He’s not blessed with the most physical talent, but there’s not a harder worker. You’d like to be able to transplant his heart into some other people.”
Okoniewski had a lot for the city of Green Bay. As evidenced by a 2010 interview in which he said: “I didn’t play on successful teams, and I wasn’t the most talented player. I had to work extra hard because I didn’t have the natural abilities. … But I’m proud to say, I was a Green Bay Packer and live in Green Bay.”
May he rest in peace.