Former NFL player Mike Stensrud, The Houston Oilers pitcher, who spent most of his 11-year career there, died “unexpectedly” last week after suffering a heart attack, according to an obituary posted online. He was 68.
The news of Stensrud's death was confirmed by Iowa State University.
Houston Oilers defensive lineman Mike Stensrud on the sideline during a game at RFK Stadium on September 15, 1985 in Washington, DC. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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“Former Iowa State All-American Mike Stensrud, one of the greatest defenders in Iowa State football history and the catalyst for a pair of stingy Cyclone defenses that earned bowl invitations in 1977 (Peach Bowl) and 1978 (Hall of Fame Bowl), died today,” reads a news release on the school's website.
Stensrud played football at Iowa State alongside his brother, Maynard Stensrud, before being drafted by the Oilers in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He was inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
Houston Oilers' Mike Stensrud tackles Steelers' running back Franco Harris at Three Rivers Stadium on Oct. 2, 1983, in Pittsburgh. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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According to an online obituary, Stensrud died “unexpectedly” of a heart attack on Friday at his home in Lake Mills, Iowa.
He Tennessee Titans He also issued a statement on Saturday.
“The Tennessee Titans organization mourns the loss of veteran Oilers player Mike Stensrud,” the post on X read. “Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
Houston Oilers defensive lineman Mike Stensrud sacks Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson during a game at Riverfront Stadium on September 12, 1982, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
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Stensrud played seven seasons in Houston before playing one-year stints in Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Washington. He retired after the 1989 season with 29.5 career sacks in 139 NFL games.
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