Steven Means
{{Short description|American football player (born 1990)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Steven Means
| image = Steven Means (51555502070) (cropped).jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Means with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Outside linebacker
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|09|16}}
| birth_place = Buffalo, New York, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| high_school = Grover Cleveland
(Buffalo, New York)
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lbs = 263
| college = Buffalo
| draftyear = 2013
| draftround = 5
| draftpick = 147
| pastteams =
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2013}}−{{NFL Year|2014}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2014}}−{{NFL Year|2015}})
- Houston Texans ({{NFL Year|2015}})*
- Philadelphia Eagles ({{NFL Year|2015}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
- Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2022}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Super Bowl champion (LII)
- Second-team All-MAC (2012)
| statseason =
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 108
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 6.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 3
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 1
| pfr = MeanSt00
}}
Steven Means (born September 16, 1990) is an American professional football outside linebacker. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played college football for the University at Buffalo.
Means has also been a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons.
Early life
Means was born in Buffalo, New York. He attended Grover Cleveland High School, where he participated on the basketball, track and field, swimming and football teams.{{Cite web |title=Steven Means - Buffalo |url=http://www.ubbulls.com/sports/fball/2011-12/bios/means%20steven%20ht9g |access-date=July 7, 2015 |website=UBBulls.com |publisher=University at Buffalo Athletics}}
Means' father, Steven Means Sr., played football at Buffalo State College. Means has two younger brothers, Brandon and Cameron.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Joe |date=May 10, 2013 |title=Bucs rookie Means fulfills pledge |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/being-overlooked-motivated-bucs-steven-means/2120293/ |access-date=July 8, 2015}}
College career
While attending the University at Buffalo, Means was a member of the Buffalo Bulls football team from 2009 to 2012. In four seasons as a defensive end, Means accumulated 186 total tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and five blocked kicks. He majored in human development and family studies.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Steven Means |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/team/roster/steven-means/4b5e2518-b76a-4a6a-84c1-b837cac4b469/ |access-date=July 8, 2015 |publisher=Tampa Bay Buccaneers}}
Professional career
=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=
On April 27, 2013, Steven Means was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round (147th overall) in the 2013 NFL draft.[http://blogs.buffalonews.com/press-coverage/2013/04/ubs-steven-means-drafted-in-fifth-round-by-tampa-bay-buccaneers.html UB's Steven Means drafted in fifth round by Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Means signed his contract on May 13, 2013, and also got a $191,752 signing bonus on a four-year deal worth $2,351,752. Means appeared in ten games for the Buccaneers during his rookie campaign in 2013. After appearing in the first game of the following season, Means was waived on September 9.{{Cite news |last=Philipse |first=Sander |date=September 9, 2014 |title=Buccaneers re-sign Larry English, waive Steven Means |work=Bucs Nation |publisher=SB Nation |url=http://www.bucsnation.com/2014/9/9/6126773/buccaneers-re-sign-larry-english-waive-steven-means |access-date=July 7, 2015}} In eleven games with the Buccaneers over two seasons, Means accumulated six tackles and no sacks.
=Baltimore Ravens (first stint)=
The Baltimore Ravens signed Means to their practice squad in October 2014. Means appeared in only one game in 2014 after an injury to offensive tackle Rick Wagner created a vacancy on the roster. On May 7, 2015, Means accepted a $510,000 exclusive-rights tender offer from the Ravens.{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Yitzi |date=May 7, 2015 |title=Pass Rusher Steven Means Signs His Tender |work=Baltimore Beatdown |publisher=SB Nation |url=http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2015/5/7/8566449/pass-rusher-steven-means-signs-his-tender |access-date=July 7, 2015}} On September 2, 2015, after suffering a sports hernia,{{Cite news |last=Zangaro |first=Dave |date=December 11, 2015 |title=Outside linebacker Steven Means plans to stick with Eagles |work=Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia |url=http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/outside-linebacker-steven-means-plans-stick-eagles |access-date=December 30, 2015}} Means was released by the Ravens with an injury settlement.{{Cite news |last=Zrebiec |first=Jeff |date=September 2, 2015 |title=Ravens release Chris Greenwood, Steven Means |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-release-means-greenwood-20150902-story.html |access-date=September 3, 2015}}
=Houston Texans=
On October 20, 2015, the Houston Texans signed Means to their practice squad.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=October 20, 2015 |title=Texans sign defensive end Steven Means to practice squad |work=Houston Chronicle |url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2015/10/texans-sign-defensive-end-steven-means-to-practice-squad/ |access-date=December 8, 2015}}
=Philadelphia Eagles=
On December 8, 2015, Means was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles off the Texans' practice squad.{{Cite news |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=December 8, 2015 |title=LB Means Signed To Active Roster |publisher=Philadelphia Eagles |url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/LB-Means-Signed-To-Active-Roster/b1f48011-38ce-48f7-946f-a3d7ffd786bb |url-status=dead |access-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312030731/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/LB-Means-Signed-To-Active-Roster/b1f48011-38ce-48f7-946f-a3d7ffd786bb |archive-date=March 12, 2016}}
In 2016, the Eagles chose to retain Means following a strong preseason showing.{{Cite news |last=Berman |first=Zach |date=September 3, 2016 |title=After cuts, Birds have only four linebackers |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20160904_After_cuts__Birds_have_only_four_linebackers.html |access-date=October 26, 2016}} Means was active for the first three weeks of the season and recorded his first solo tackle since his rookie year.{{Cite news |last=Hermann |first=Adam |date=October 9, 2016 |title=Eagles Inactives: Bennie Logan active in Detroit |work=Bleeding Green Nation |publisher=SB Nation |url=http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2016/10/9/13217820/eagles-inactives-bennie-logan-active-in-detroit |access-date=October 26, 2016}} Following a Week 4 bye, Means was placed on the inactive list.{{Cite news |last=Kempski |first=Jimmy |date=October 9, 2016 |title=Eagles-Lions Week 5 inactives, with analysis |work=Philly Voice |url=http://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-lions-week-5-inactives-analysis/ |access-date=October 26, 2016}} In a Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Means, active again due to an injury to Bennie Logan, recorded his first career sack, which also caused Sam Bradford to fumble.{{Cite news |last=Bowen |first=Les |date=October 23, 2016 |title=Source: Eagles' Ron Brooks to require surgery |work=Philadelphia Inquirer |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20161024_Source__Eagles__Brooks_to_have_surgery_for_ruptured_quadriceps.html |access-date=October 26, 2016}}{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Turron |date=October 23, 2016 |title=Four things learned in Eagles 21-10 win over the Vikings |work=USA Today |url=http://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/23/four-things-learned-in-eagles-21-10-win-over-the-vikings/ |access-date=October 26, 2016}}
On August 30, 2017, Means signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles.{{Cite web |last=Gowton, Brandon Lee |date=August 30, 2017 |title=Steven Means, Eagles sign contract extension |url=https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/8/30/16230466/steven-means-eagles-contract-extension-philadelphia-news |website=BleedingGreenNation.com}} Means won Super Bowl LII after the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33.{{cite web | last=Jones | first=Lindsay H. | title=Super Bowl 2018: Eagles dethrone Tom Brady, Patriots in stunner | website=USA TODAY | date=2018-02-05 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super/2018/02/04/super-bowl-2018-score-philadelphia-eagles-new-england-patriots/305840002/ | access-date=2024-10-31}}
On September 1, 2018, Means was released by the Eagles.{{Cite web |last=McPherson, Chris |date=September 1, 2018 |title=Eagles Get To The 53-Player Limit |url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-get-to-the-53-player-limit |website=PhiladelphiaEagles.com}}
=Atlanta Falcons=
On September 10, 2018, Means signed with the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |last=McFadden, Will |date=September 10, 2018 |title=Falcons place Keanu Neal on IR, sign Steven Means to active roster |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-place-keanu-neal-on-ir-sign-steven-means-to-active-roster |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}} He played in eight games with four starts, recording 14 combined tackles and one sack.
On February 13, 2019, Means signed a one-year contract extension with the Falcons.{{Cite web |last=McFadden, Will |date=February 13, 2019 |title=Falcons agree to terms with Steven Means on one-year extension |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-agree-to-terms-with-steven-means-on-one-year-extension |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}} On May 22, 2019, Means suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in OTAs and was ruled out for the season.{{Cite web |last=McFadden, Will |date=May 22, 2019 |title=Falcons' Steven Means suffers season-ending injury |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-steven-means-suffers-season-ending-injury |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}
On March 9, 2020, Means signed a one-year contract extension with the Falcons.{{Cite web |last=Conway, Kelsey |date=March 9, 2020 |title=Falcons agree to terms on one-year deal with Steven Means, waive Lukayas McNeil |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-agree-to-terms-on-one-year-deal-with-steven-means-waive-lukayas-mcneil |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}} He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on August 29, 2020.{{Cite news |last=McFadden, Will |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Falcons place Steven Means on reserve/COVID-19 list |work=AtlantaFalcons.com |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-place-steven-means-on-reserve-covid-19-list |access-date=August 29, 2020}} On September 8, 2020, Means was activated prior to the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.{{Cite web |last=Choate |first=Dave |date=September 8, 2020 |title=Falcons activate Steven Means, cut LB Deone Bucannon |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2020/9/8/21427483/falcons-activate-steven-means-cut-lb-deone-bucannon |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=The Falcoholic|publisher=SB Nation}} In Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Means recorded a strip sack on Derek Carr that was recovered by teammate LaRoy Reynolds during the 43–6 win.{{Cite web |title=Las Vegas Raiders at Atlanta Falcons – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290atl.htm |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In 2020 while with the Falcons, Means was the team's recipient of the 2020 Ed Block Courage Award. The award is given to select NFL players who are voted by their teammates as role models of inspiration, courage, and sportsmanship.{{cite web | last=Birchfield | first=Evan | title=Steven Means named Falcons Ed Block Courage Award winner | website=The Falcoholic | date=2021-02-05 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2021/2/5/22267761/steven-means-named-falcons-ed-block-courage-award-winner | access-date=2024-12-29}}
On April 1, 2021, Means re-signed with the Falcons on a one-year contract.{{Cite news |last=Moran, Gaby |date=April 1, 2021 |title=Falcons Re-Sign DE Steven Means, Sign OL Josh Andrews and DT Jonathan Bullard |work=AtlantaFalcons.com |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/report-falcons-agree-to-terms-with-offensive-lineman-josh-andrews |access-date=April 1, 2021}} In Week 9, Means recovered a fumble and returned it for 32 yards thanks to a James Vaughters strip sack on Trevor Siemian in a 27-25 win over the Saints. Means suffered a knee injury as he was tackled from behind by Saints receiver Tre'Quan Smith. He was placed on injured reserve on November 14, 2021.{{cite web|title= Falcons activate OLB Fowler, place Means on injured reserve |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article255795836.html |website=Newsobserver.com|date=November 14, 2021}} He was activated on December 4.
=Baltimore Ravens (second stint)=
On June 17, 2022, Means signed with the Ravens.{{cite web|title=Ravens Sign Veteran Linebacker Steven Means|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/steven-means-signs-ravens-linebacker|author=Brown, Clifton|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=June 17, 2022}} He was released on August 30, 2022 and signed to the practice squad the next day.{{cite web|title=Ravens Make Roster Cuts to 53|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-roster-cuts-53-2022|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=August 30, 2022}}{{cite web|title=Ravens Set Initial Practice Squad|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-practice-squad-2022-anthony-brown-isaiah-mack|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=August 31, 2022}} On September 14, the Ravens signed Means to the active roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/steven-means-ravens-outside-linebacker-sign-transaction|title=Ravens Sign Steven Means to 53-Man Roster|date=September 14, 2022|accessdate=September 16, 2022|first=Clifton |last=Brown|work=BaltimoreRavens.com}} He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2 and was placed on injured reserve on September 19, ending his season.{{cite web|title=Steven Means Suffers Torn Achilles, Out for Year|url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/steven-means-suffers-torn-achilles-out-year-season|author=Mink, Ryan|website=BaltimoreRavens.com|date=September 19, 2022}}
Personal life
Means grew up a fan of his hometown Buffalo Bills, but admitted to feeling slighted by the organization for passing on him in the draft. He has done charity work for his high school, albeit under the radar. Means is a Christian.{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jason |date=2021-12-31 |title=Q&A: Why Falcons linebacker Steven Means, a Buffalo native and UB grad, hates the Bills |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/q-a-why-falcons-linebacker-steven-means-a-buffalo-native-and-ub-grad-hates-the/article_82a3886c-69c9-11ec-92d4-afc33cc34374.html |access-date=2022-01-03 |website=The Buffalo News |language=en}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Football stats |nfl=Steven-Means|espn=15936 |pfr=M/MeanSt00|yahoo=26770}}
- [https://ubbulls.com/sports/football/roster/steven-means/450 Buffalo Bulls bio]
{{Buccaneers2013DraftPicks}}
{{Super Bowl LII}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Means, Steven}}
Category:Players of American football from Buffalo, New York
Category:American football linebackers
Category:American football defensive ends
Category:Buffalo Bulls football players
Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players
Category:Baltimore Ravens players
Category:Philadelphia Eagles players
Category:Houston Texans players