Important Dates in Bills History, presented by M&T Bank, helps fans recognize what's important. In the NFL, honoring legendary careers is important and on Dec. 20, 1997 special teams great Steve Tasker announced his retirement.
Steve Tasker, a 5-9, 181 pound Northwestern product, started his NFL career with the Houston Oilers. Selected by Houston in the ninth round of the 1985 NFL Draft, Tasker spent just over a season with the Oilers before coming to Buffalo off of waivers in 1986. Although he was officially listed as a wide receiver, Tasker quickly became known as an all-star on special teams.
A playmaker for Buffalo from 1986-97, Tasker's contributions helped propel the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in the early '90s. His talent and versatility also earned him recognition several times throughout his 12-year NFL career. Selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, Tasker set a new NFL precedent for special teams players. After compiling four tackles, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal, he was named the MVP of the 1993 Pro Bowl.
Throughout his tenure, Tasker proved elite in punt and kick coverage, racking up 204 tackles on special teams and seven blocked punts. He also caught 51 passes for 779 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Time Team in 2000, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Bills Wall of Fame in 2007.
Since his retirement, Tasker has made a career as a broadcaster and can often be heard sharing his commentary and analysis during Bills games. He remains a valued member of the Buffalo Bills and Western New York community.
