Joe Steele (born March 19, 1958) is an American former football player and running back for the University of Washington Huskies from 1976 through 1979.^[2] During his college career, he set Husky records for most single season rushing yards, most career rushing yards, and most career touchdowns.^[3]

Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Steele attended its Bishop Blanchet High School and graduated in 1976. As a running back, he helped lead Bishop Blanchet to a 23-game winning streak over three seasons and a state championship in 1974. In the 1975 Metro League championship game against undefeated Garfield, Steele rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns, caught another touchdown, and threw for the game-winning score in the fourth overtime.^[4] During his high school career, he ran for 3,814 yards and scored 44 touchdowns.^[5]

Actively recruited by many strong programs, Steele stayed close to home and played for head coach Don James at the University of Washington in Seattle. As a sophomore in 1977, Steele rushed for 865 yards, scored fourteen touchdowns, and was named to the all-conference team. He led the Huskies in rushing in their 27–20 upset win over fourth-ranked Michigan in the Rose Bowl.^[5]

During his junior season in 1978, Steele set a Husky single season record with 1,111 rushing yards. As a senior in 1979, he suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee in the eighth game, a 34–14 road win over UCLA.^[6][7][8] Steele finished his college career with a Washington record 3,168 total rushing yards and was again named to the all-conference team. He was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1996.^[4]

Steele was selected in the fifth round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks,^[1] but was released in the final cut.^[5] Following his football career, he worked in the commercial real estate business.^[5]

• Washington Huskies football statistical leaders

• Sports Reference profile