Dismal Professional Career, Tragedy
Despite the anticipation surrounding his kicking skills demonstrated in college, with the Cardinals Little performed at a dismal level. He served as both punter and place kicker. In his brief NFL career he punted for a total of 4,809 yards while place kicking with a disappointing overall percentage of 48.1% over three professional seasons. Despite his poor percentage he still managed to kick the 5th longest field goal in Cardinals history, having kicked a 51 yard field goal. However Little's problems off the field also caused him issues with the team, and on October 16, 1980 he was replaced 6 games into the 1980 season by kicker Neil O'Donoghue.
Just hours after he had been released by the Cardinals Little was involved in a vehicle accident which left him a quadraplegic. Little died at the age of 43 having spent years as a quadraplegic in hospice in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he lived with and was cared for by his brother Gene Little. Little is on the All-Century team at Arkansas, and is also listed as #11 on the list of greatest Arkansas football players of all time.
Read more about this topic: Steve Little (American Football)
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