Craig Steltz made his greatest impact when LSU was chasing its biggest prize. After developing through reserve roles and special teams, the Louisiana safety became an All-American and a defensive captain during the Tigers’ 2007 national championship season.

His senior year brought together the qualities that define an outstanding LSU defender: dependable tackling, timely interceptions and leadership. Wearing No. 16, Steltz helped anchor a team that finished 12–2 and won both the SEC championship and the national title.

That combination earns him No. 86 in LSU Football Report’s countdown of the greatest Tigers.

A Louisiana player with LSU roots

Born in Metairie, Steltz played at Archbishop Rummel High School under coach Jay Roth. His junior season included 120 tackles and nine interceptions, and he earned first team Class 5A All-State recognition as a senior.

His older brother, Kevin, played fullback at LSU and belonged to the Tigers’ 2003 national championship team. Craig arrived in 2004 and began building his own legacy in Baton Rouge.

The family connection made LSU familiar, but playing time still had to be earned. Steltz appeared in four games as a freshman before becoming a more regular contributor.

Making an impact before becoming a starter

Steltz delivered an important special teams play in the 2005 opener against Arizona State. He returned a blocked punt 29 yards for a fourth quarter touchdown, helping LSU rally from a 17–7 deficit.

His instincts in coverage became more apparent the following season. In 2006, he intercepted passes in four consecutive games against Arizona, Auburn, Tulane and Mississippi State. LSU identifies him as the first player in program history to accomplish that feat.

Those contributions showed why Steltz deserved a larger role. He could help the Tigers through special teams, defensive packages and takeaways while continuing to develop into a full season starter.

A record tying start to 2007

Steltz opened his senior season with three interceptions in LSU’s 45–0 victory at Mississippi State on August 30, 2007. He tied the school record for interceptions in a game and became the seventh Tiger to reach that mark.

It was an emphatic introduction to his first season as a full time starter. LSU’s defense overwhelmed Mississippi State, and Steltz repeatedly turned the Bulldogs’ passing attempts into opportunities for the Tigers.

The performance also illustrated his value within a talented defense. Pressure up front mattered, but LSU needed defenders who could finish plays when the football arrived. Steltz did exactly that.

An All-American season

Steltz started all 14 games in 2007 and finished with 101 tackles, tying linebacker Ali Highsmith for the team lead. He also led LSU with six interceptions.

The official LSU season statistics show how many ways he contributed:

Statistic

2007 total

Games started

14

Total tackles

101

Solo tackles

66

Assisted tackles

35

Tackles for loss

5

Sacks

1

Interceptions

6

Interception return yards

153

Pass breakups

7

Forced fumbles

3

Fumble recoveries

1

Steltz earned first team All-America recognition from the Associated Press, Walter Camp Football Foundation and Football Writers Association of America, among other organizations. He also received first team All-SEC honors and was one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s top defensive back.

Those honors reflected a complete season. Steltz supplied both the tackling needed to finish defensive possessions and the takeaways that could change a game.

A captain on a championship team

LSU named Steltz and Glenn Dorsey its permanent defensive captains for the 2007 season. Matt Flynn and Jacob Hester represented the offense, while Patrick Fisher was the special teams captain.

Being selected alongside those players says something about the trust Steltz earned. This was a team filled with accomplished athletes, yet he was one of the men chosen to represent it.

LSU defeated Tennessee 21–14 in the SEC Championship Game before advancing to face Ohio State for the national title. On January 7, 2008, the Tigers beat the Buckeyes 38–24 to capture the championship for the 2007 season.

Steltz’s final college game came with a painful setback. A first half stinger limited his participation, and Harry Coleman stepped into the secondary. Coleman helped LSU finish the victory, including recovering a fumble.

The injury reduced Steltz’s playing time in the finale, but his contribution to the championship was already established. His leadership and production across the season helped put LSU in position to win it.

Six seasons with the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears selected Steltz in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He appeared in 77 games with eight starts over six seasons with the team.

Special teams became an important part of his professional career. According to the Bears, Steltz recorded 58 special teams tackles during his tenure, the second most on the team since his arrival. He played in all 16 games during the 2013 season and recorded a career high 14 special teams tackles.

Chicago released him on August 25, 2014. His professional career reflected the same willingness to contribute that had helped him earn a larger role at LSU.

Returning to finish his degree

Steltz returned to LSU after his NFL career and completed his degree in general business from the E. J. Ourso College of Business in August 2016.

He finished through Project Graduation, LSU’s initiative to help former student athletes complete their academic requirements. The achievement added another meaningful connection to the university where he had developed as a player.

Why Craig Steltz ranks No. 86

Steltz’s place in this countdown rests on the quality of his LSU career, especially his senior season. He became an All-American, a Thorpe Award finalist and a captain while helping the Tigers win conference and national championships.

His development also deserves recognition. Steltz contributed before becoming a regular starter, then made the most of his expanded responsibility. When LSU needed a dependable leader in the secondary, he was ready.

The No. 86 ranking is LSU Football Report’s editorial assessment. Steltz’s combination of individual honors, leadership and championship impact makes him a deserving member of this list.

Sources

1. LSU Athletics. Craig Steltz: Official player biography.
2. LSU Athletics. 2007 cumulative season statistics.
3. LSU Athletics. Defense Powers No. 2 LSU to 45–0 Win at MSU.
4. LSU Athletics. LSU Football: First Team All-Americans.
5. LSU Athletics. Hester, Dorsey Named LSU’s MVPs at Banquet.
6. LSU Athletics. Defense, Perrilloux Lead LSU to 10th SEC Title, 21–14.
7. LSU Athletics. LSU Wins 2007 National Championship, 38–24.
8. LSU Athletics. Harry Coleman: Official player biography.
9. Mayer, Larry. Bears Release Safety Craig Steltz. Chicago Bears, August 25, 2014.
10. LSU Athletics. Eighteen Student-Athletes to Receive Degrees. August 5, 2016.