Steve Videtich

Steve Videtich (born November 4, 1971) is an American former professional football placekicker who played in the Arena Football League (AFL) for the Florida Bobcats, New Jersey Red Dogs/New Jersey Gladiators/Las Vegas Gladiators, Milwaukee Mustangs, and Columbus Destroyers. He was also the general manager of the AFL's Utah Blaze.

Early life

Videtich attended Ledford Senior High School and was a student and a letterman in football, soccer, and golf.[1]

College career

Videtich played college football for North Carolina State and was one of the nation's most accurate kickers over his last two collegiate seasons (1993–1994), connecting on 28-of-31 field goals. He finished his collegiate career second in the Wolfpack record books in field goal percentage. Videtich was named Second-Team All-American at NC State in 1994 and his team was All-ACC in 1993 and 1994.

Professional

2008

Videtich was released March 5 after missing a game-winning field goal against the Arizona Rattlers[2]

2007

Videtich played in all 16 games for the Blaze where he connected on 10-of-19 field goal attempts and 113-of-127 PATs.

2006

Steve won the game with this kick on May 13, 2006; there was not enough time left for the Brigade to recover.

Videtich joined the Blaze for their inaugural season. During the season, Videtich became the all-time leader in kicking points with 1,381 career points, while setting two new expansion marks for PATs attempted (113) and made (106).

2004–2005

Videtich played for the Columbus Destroyers where he connected on 14-of-28 field goal attempts and 92-of-99 extra point attempts, including one by drop kick (which was worth two points as per AFL rules). Videtich ranked third in the league among kickers with 134 points scored that season. He is one of only two kickers (Brian Mitchell being the other) to have ever scored points with the drop kick in the AFL.

2001–2003

While playing for the New Jersey/Las Vegas Gladiators,[3] Videtich was named Second-Team All-Arena in 2003.

2000

He played one season for the Milwaukee Mustangs.

1997–1999

Videtich played two seasons for the New Jersey Red Dogs. In 1997, Videtich was named Kicker of Year for setting a league record by converting 60 consecutive extra-point attempts; a streak that extended into the 1998 season; the streak would reach 62 before being snapped.

1996

Videtich began his career in the AFL with the Florida Bobcats. He also went to training camp with the Washington Redskins of the National Football League in 1996.

Personal life

Videtich was regarded as one of the AFL's top kickers. Videtich was a three sport athlete at Ledford Senior High School in Thomasville, North Carolina, and holds three school records. He was a four-time soccer MVP in high school on a team coached by his father, Tom. He majored in industrial engineering at North Carolina State University. Videtich and his wife, Carolyn, have two children: Tessa and Emelia. When Videtich's isn't playing football, he enjoys golfing and watching college football.

Awards

  • Kicker of the Year – 1997, 2002
  • First-Team All-Arena – 1997, 2002
  • Second-Team All-Arena – 1998, 2000, 2003

References

  1. ^ Nichols, Bill (August 31, 1992). "Wolfpack Vaults to No. 18 in Second AP Poll". Winston-Salem Journal. East Rutherford, New Jersey. pp. 31, 33. Retrieved June 18, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Drew, Jay (March 5, 2008). "Blaze: Kicker released, new one signed". The Salt Lake Tribune. Archived from the original on March 9, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  3. ^ "Arena Football League Transactions". www.oursportscentral.com. OurSports Central. March 25, 2002. Retrieved July 22, 2017.