Former NFL Star Mike Stensrud Dies Suddenly at 68

Kirstin Gibson
August 27, 2024 11:03pm
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Mike Stensrud, a standout defensive lineman who played for the Houston Oilers and four other teams during his 11-year NFL career, has passed away at the age of 68.

Former NFL defensive lineman Mike Stensrud, a stalwart on a pair of stingy Iowa State defenses and a key member of the Houston Oilers, has died suddenly at the age of 68. Stensrud passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack last Friday at his home in Lake Mills, Iowa, according to an online obituary.

Stensrud, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, played football at Iowa State alongside his brother, Maynard, before being drafted by the Oilers in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a force on the Oilers' defense, playing seven seasons in Houston and helping the team reach the playoffs in 1980 and 1987.

Former NFL Star Mike Stensrud Dies Suddenly at 68

Stensrud's impact extended beyond the Oilers. He also played one-year stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Redskins before retiring after the 1989 season. During his NFL career, he recorded 29.5 sacks across 139 games.

Stensrud's passing has drawn tributes from across the football world. The Tennessee Titans, the Oilers' modern incarnation, expressed their condolences in a statement on Saturday. "The Tennessee Titans organization mourns the loss of longtime Oiler, Mike Stensrud," the post read. "Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones."

Former NFL Star Mike Stensrud Dies Suddenly at 68

Iowa State University, where Stensrud was a member of the 1977 and 1978 bowl teams, also issued a statement. "Former Iowa State All-American Mike Stensrud, one of the greatest defenders in Iowa State football history, and catalyst on a pair of stingy Cyclone defenses who earned bowl bids in 1977 (Peach Bowl) and 1978 (Hall of Fame Bowl), died today," a news release on the school's website read.

Stensrud was inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. He was known for his relentless effort, toughness, and leadership on and off the field. His legacy as a Cyclone and a pro will continue to inspire generations of players.