Steve Heiden

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Cleveland Browns
currentnumber=82
currentposition=Tight end
birthdate=birth date and age|1976|9|21
birthplace=Rushford, Minnesota
heightft=6
heightin=5
weight=275
debutyear=1999
debutteam=San Diego Chargers
college=South Dakota State
draftyear=1999
draftround=3
draftpick=69
pastteams=
* San Diego Chargers (1999-2001)
* Cleveland Browns (2002-present)
nfl=HEI093965

Steve Allen Heiden (born September 21, 1976 in Rushford, Minnesota) is an American football player who currently plays tight end for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League.

College career

Heiden played college football for South Dakota State University and totaled 112 receptions for 1,499 yards (13.4 avg.) and 8 touchdowns. He majored in early childhood education.

Professional career

an Diego Chargers

Heiden was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the third round (69th overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft. In his rookie year he made 11 appearances for the Chargers and made his NFL debut versus the Seattle Seahawks on October 17.

In his second season with the Chargers, he made 15 appearances with three starts. He also caught his first NFL touchdown in a game versus the Carolina Panthers on December 17.

For the first time in his professional career, Heiden appeared in all 16 regular season and made ten starts.

Cleveland Browns

On August 31, 2002, San Diego traded Heiden to the Cleveland Browns. He again appeared in all 16 regular season games and made his Browns debut versus the Kansas City Chiefs on September 8.

In 2003, despite missing the final seven league games because of an ankle injury, Heiden had a career high season with 18 receptions for 134 yards.

2004 was an excellent season for Heiden with 28 receptions for 287 yards and five touchdowns, his three touchdowns in the game at the Cincinnati Bengals on November 28 were a career high.

The following season in 2005 was equally as productive for Heiden who surpassed his previous seasons catch and yardage totals. He made 43 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2006, he made 16 appearances with six starts. His numbers for the season were good with 36 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns. On April 14, 2007, Heiden was signed to a four-year contract extension by the Browns.

External links

* [http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/player.php?id=204 Browns Player Bio]