Steve Owen
Inducted:
1966
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
237 lb (108 kg)
Born:
April 21, 1898
Cleo Springs, Territory of Oklahoma, U.S.
Died:
May 17, 1964
Oneida, New York, U.S.
Position:
Tackle
Guard
Coach
College:
Oklahoma A&M College
Phillips (OK)
Steve Owen was one of the foundational figures in NFL history, known for his brilliance as both a player and a coach. He spent his entire professional career with the New York Giants, first as a rugged lineman from 1926 to 1931, and then as head coach from 1931 to 1953. As a coach, Owen guided the Giants to two NFL Championships (1934, 1938) and six title-game appearances, establishing New York as one of the league’s premier franchises.
He was a tactical innovator, introducing defensive formations such as the “umbrella defense,” which became a model for future schemes. Owen’s teams were renowned for their discipline, toughness, and defensive mastery, traits that reflected his own playing style. During his 23 years at the helm, he became synonymous with the Giants’ identity and stability.
Steve Owen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, honored as a pioneer who helped shape the early evolution of professional football.
Owen's Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1927)
- First-team All-Pro (1927)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- 2× NFL champion (1934, 1938)
- Giants career wins record (153)
- New York Giants Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- Developed the “umbrella defense” used by future coaches
- Longest-tenured head coach in Giants history
- Key architect of early NFL defensive football
NFL Teams
As Player-
New York Giants (1926–1931, 1933)
As Coach-
New York Giants (1930–1953)
Number Worn:
9, 36, 44, 50, 12, 55, 6
NFL Stats
As Player-
Seasons:
9 (1924–1933)
Games Played:
97
Games Started:
83
Head coaching record-
Regular season:
NFL: 153–100–17 (.598)
CFL: 21–27–3 (.441)
Postseason:
NFL: 2–8 (.200)
CFL: 0–4 (.000)
Career:
NFL: 155–108–17 (.584)
CFL: 21–31–3 (.409)