Cleveland Rams sign former NFL linebacker as Defensive Coordinator

by GDFL Media


Cleveland, OH – The Cleveland Rams announced today that they have signed Markus Steele as the team's defensive coordinator.

Steele joins the Rams after spending two seasons 2013-2015 with the North East Ohio Predators gaining valuable experience as a defensive Coach. 

COLLEGE AWARDS:

  • Junior College All-American (1998)
  • 2× Honorable-mention All-Pac-10 (1999, 2000)

He enrolled at Long Beach City College, where he collected 96 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 8 sacks and 2 interceptions in his first year. As a sophomore he registered 93 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 blocked kicks, 4 carries for 39 yards (9.8-yard avg ) and 2 touchdowns, while helping the team achieve a No. 6 national ranking with a 10–1 record.

In 1999, he transferred to the University of Southern California and was given the number 55, which is a school tradition reserved for the best linebackers.

As a junior he was named the starter at weak-side linebacker. He played with a shoulder injury that required surgery at the end of the season, finishing with 91 tackles (second on the team), 62 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss (led the team), 3 sacks, 6 passes defensed, one interception, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. The next year he had 61 tackles (third on the team), 17 tackles for loss (led the team) and 3 sacks.

PROFESSIONAL  CAREER:

(2001-2003) Steele was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th round (122nd overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Steele was waived on August 31, 2004, after playing in 42 games (12 starts), while totaling 71 tackles (49 solo) and 33 special teams tackles. 

(2005)* Signed by the Denver Broncos 

The GDFL would like to wish Markus Steele & The Cleveland Rams the best of luck on his new coaching position.



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The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article.