Steve Tasker

Since arriving in Buffalo midway through the 1986 season, after being claimed off waivers from the Houston Oilers, Steve Tasker went on to become one of the most popular player ever to wear a Bills uniform. Selected by the Oilers as a receiver in the ninth-round out of Northwestern University, in 1985. During the 80's and the 90's, special teams play was starting to be recognized as a vital part of the overall game plan in the NFL. Many teams were beginning to sign players to their rosters solely for the purpose of performing on their special teams. The Bills, under Marv Levy, were aware of this trend. Rarely used as a wide receiver, Tasker secured his roster spot for 13 years mainly as a valuable special teams weapon and nobody in the NFL performed on special teams better than Steve Tasker.

Small in stature (5'9" 181 lbs.) but big in heart and toughness, Steve Tasker became the only player, ever, to be selected as the Pro Bowl MVP in 1993. Tasker was selected to the Pro Bowl 7 times, in 1988, '91, '92, '93, '94, '95 and 1996. His achievements are too numerous to mention them all but a summery is listed below.

1987

Made 20 tackles on special teams and led all players on those units with three forced fumbles. Blocked a punt for a safety against Denver and partially blocked three others.

1988

Blocked a punt against Pittsburgh, which was returned by Robb Riddick for a touchdown.

1989

Led special teams solo tackles with 11. Made one special teams solo tackle in a playoff game at Cleveland.

1990

Second trip to the Pro Bowl. His stats included two blocked punts, two forced fumbles inside the 20 yard line, two fumbles recovered and two tackles inside the 10 yard line on kickoffs. Also caught two passes for two touchdowns as a wide receiver, his first was a 24 TD pass from Jim Kelly against Phoenix. His first TD reception in the NFL.

1991

Third trip to the Pro Bowl, also selected to the All-Madden team. Led the Bills in special teams tackles with 26. Recorded his sixth career blocked punt.

1992

Big hit on the Rams' Vernon Turner in the opening week set the tone for his Pro Bowl MVP year. Made his first career start at WR against San Francisco on September 13. Became only the second player in NFL history to block a punt in the Super Bowl.

1993

Voted to his 4th consecutive Pro Bowl, tying him with former Cardinal (and Buffalo native) Ron Wolfley for consecutive selections to the Pro Bowl by a special teams player. Snatched a punt out of mid-air while leaping like a long jumper into the end zone, doing a 180 degree spin and placing the ball on the 2 yard line before landing in the end zone. It was one of the most spectacular special teams plays ever.

1994

Selected to the Pro Bowl for the fifth consecutive time. Played a major role in Bills punter Chris Mohr landing 5 of 6 punts inside the 20 yard line in a game at New England.

1995

Returned to the Pro Bowl for an unprecedented sixth consecutive time (seventh overall), giving him more trips to Hawaii than any special teams player in NFL history. Spent time covering punts, kickoffs and holding on extra point and field goal attempts. When injuries depleted the Bills receiving corps, Tasker saw extended action in the Bills offense becoming one of Jim Kelly's favorite targets, catching 3 TD passes. Led NFL in punt return average.

1996

For the first time in his career, Tasker entered the season as a starter as a wide receiver. A foot injury in the first game against the Giants, shelved him for 6 games, ending any hope of becoming an offensive weapon. Had 160 yard receiving day against the Jets on November 24th. It was 8 more yards receiving than Tasker had had in his entire career.

1997

Returned to special teams full time and managed to play the whole season, despite a nagging back injury. Was sadly ejected in his final game, for arguing a call on a punt in the first half against Green Bay. It was an unfitting way for a very special player to end his career.

In the year 2003, Steve Tasker will be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he could become the first special teams player to be so honored. He always displayed class and dignity on and off the field. He was the definition of team player, special, in more ways than one.

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