Les Steckel

Biography

On March 1, 2005, Les Steckel became the seventh president/CEO of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Steckel's extensive involvement with FCA dates back to 1972 when, as a college football coach, he attended his first FCA conference. In the 30-plus years since, Steckel has served as a Huddle Leader, platform speaker, camp dean and football clinician at various FCA Camps across the nation. He led Bible studies throughout his NFL career and served regularly as a guest speaker for FCA events.

Steckel and his wife, Chris, also speak at FCA marriage enrichment weekends for coaches and their wives. Steckel also has served on FCA state boards in Minnesota and Tennessee. Prior to his selection as FCA President/CEO he and Chris served on the FCA National Board of Trustees.

Steckel's football coaching career spans over 30 years. After spending five years as a college coach at the University of Colorado and the U.S. Naval Academy, Steckel began his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1978. His experience includes serving as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, whom he helped guide to the 2000 Super Bowl, and for the New England Patriots during their 1985 Super Bowl season.

Steckel also held the position of offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Additionally, he has been a position coach with the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills.

A Golden Gloves boxing champion at the University of Kansas, Steckel graduated from college in 1968 with a triple-major bachelor's degree in political science, social work and human relations. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and, after completing Officer Candidate School in early 1969, served in Vietnam as an infantry officer.

After his return from Vietnam in 1970, Steckel was stationed in Quantico, Va., where he played football for the Quantico Marine football team until 1971. In 1972, Steckel joined the Marine Corps Reserves and served in various staff positions throughout the United States while he coached football for college and NFL teams.

Steckel retired in 1998 as a Colonel after 30 years of service. He completed the Command and Staff College and the National Security Course and, among numerous military awards, received the Navy Commendation Medal.

Les and Chris Steckel, who currently reside in Kansas City, are the parents of three: Christian and Lesley, both graduates of Baylor University, and Luke, currently a student at Princeton University.