Former NFL offensive tackle Steve Wright, who won multiple championships with the Green Bay Packers and played college football at Alabama under legendary coach Bear Bryant, has died at 82. Wright passed away on June 1, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia, according to an official announcement from the Green Bay Packers organization.
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound tackle left behind a compelling legacy spanning from his days as part of Alabama’s national championship team to becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion and the model for what would become the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy.
Early life and college career
Confirmed details of death
Wright died at a care facility in Augusta, Georgia. Prior to his passing, he had spent many years working in pharmaceutical sales and the insurance business after retiring from professional football. The news has prompted tributes from across the football community, reflecting his impact on the game.
Alabama career
Wright showcased his talents as an offensive tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide under the guidance of legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1961 to 1963. He was a sophomore on the 1961 national championship team, where he provided crucial depth to a dominant offensive line.
His relationship with Coach Bryant was notably complex. While Bryant recognized Wright’s potential, teammates recall that Wright’s independent thinking sometimes clashed with Bryant’s strict coaching approach—a dynamic that would follow him throughout his career. This spirited attitude stands in contrast to the current Alabama football recruiting strategy, which emphasizes finding players who embrace the team’s culture and coaching philosophy.
NFL journey and achievements
NFL career
After being selected by the Packers in the fifth round of the 1964 NFL draft, Wright embarked on a journeyman career that included stops with five NFL teams:
- Green Bay Packers (1964-1967)
- New York Giants (1968-1969)
- Washington Redskins (1970)
- Chicago Bears (1971)
- St. Louis Cardinals (1972)
His most successful period came with the Packers, where he appeared in 56 games with 13 starts under Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi. Many current NFL stars eye Olympic flag football opportunities, showing how professional football continues evolving beyond what Wright experienced in his era.
Role as a tackle
Wright was known more for his intelligence and ability to understand complex blocking schemes than for dominating performances. Teammate Jerry Kramer once noted, “Steve is just happy to be here. He doesn’t have that burning desire.” Despite this assessment, Wright provided valuable depth behind established stars like Forrest Gregg and Bob Skoronski.
Super Bowl wins
Wright’s career highlights include three consecutive NFL championships with the Packers (1965-1967) and victories in the first two Super Bowls. While not always a starter, he contributed to one of football’s greatest dynasties during this historic period of Green Bay dominance.
Vince Lombardi connection
Wright’s relationship with legendary coach Vince Lombardi mirrored his earlier experiences with Bear Bryant. He later recalled Lombardi’s demanding style: “Coach Lombardi was tough and wanted perfection, but unfortunately I wasn’t perfect. He’d chew me up and down one minute and 15 minutes later tell me to do what I tell you to do and you’ll be OK.”
Anecdotes, legacy, and post-football life
Key anecdotes & highlights
Perhaps Wright’s most enduring contribution to NFL culture came unexpectedly. While with the Giants, he was chosen as the model for “The Gladiator” sculpture, which later became the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy. Wright would later joke, “All these great players have a trophy with me on their mantle.”
His memoir, “I’d Rather be Wright: Memoirs of an Itinerant Tackle,” offered fans a rare insider’s perspective on professional football, detailing his unique viewpoint and occasional clashes with authority figures.
Tributes and statements
As news of Wright’s passing spreads, tributes continue to emerge from former teammates, coaches, and organizations. The Packers organization was among the first to acknowledge his contributions to their championship legacy.
Post-career activities
After hanging up his cleats, Wright found success in pharmaceutical sales and later in the insurance industry. He settled in Augusta, Georgia, where he remained until his passing. Unlike many modern players who former players become NFL stakeholders, Wright pursued business opportunities outside the sport.
Lasting legacy
Steve Wright’s legacy encompasses his championship contributions, his unique place in NFL trophy history, and his willingness to share an unfiltered player perspective from a demanding era of football. Though not always a star, he connected two legendary coaches and multiple championship teams during a transformative period in football history.
