Ernie Stautner Biography

Ernest Alfred Stautner was born on April 20, 1925, and passed away on February 16, 2006, as a German-American professional football player and coach. He played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stautner earned third-team All American honors by the Central Press in 1948. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round with the 22nd overall pick in the 1950 NFL draft. Stautner played in 14 seasons and was named to nine Pro Bowls, missing only six games during his career. He recorded 23 recovered fumbles and three career safeties, with the latter tied for the league lead at one time and now ranked second as of 2024. Stautner served as the defensive line coach for the Denver Broncos from 1991 to 1993.