Who Dey? Syndric Steptoe

Hello and welcome to the inaugural edition of Who Dey?, our weekly look at a player in the NFL you’ve never heard of. Sometimes they will be mentioned for outstanding feats that make them a little bit better known, sometimes for the embarassing blunders that mean that they will likely get cut.

This week’s subject is Cleveland Browns 2nd year wide reciever Syndric Steptoe, who impressed in the Browns’ week 2 preseason game against the Giants. He registered 3 catches for 80 yards and a TD, scored on a short screen play and had a big kickoff return in the absence of Josh Cribbs.

Steptoe attended Bryan High School in Texas, his hometown school, and went on to play at the University of Arizona for 3 years, where he majored in ‘family studies and human development’, apparently.

Whilst playing for the Wildcats, Steptoe became renowned for his blazing speed and punt return skills. He also earned the nickname ‘Magic Shoes’ after he returned a punt 67 yards for a touchdown against Pac-10 rivals Oregon State in 2006, showing his ability to make people miss.

After his senior year, in which he was selected as an all-conference player, he declared eligibility for the NFL and was drafted by the Browns in the 7th round, the 234th player selected, despite SI.com predicting he would go undrafted.

He spent his first season on the Browns’ practice squad, but after this preseason showing, maybe he will see more touches.

Here he is making his acrobatic touchdown catch against the Giants:

And here is he getting lit up during his Arizona days: