Joe Steele is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in Washington state history. At 6’4”, Steele combined size, speed, and durability, becoming a dominant force at Bishop Blanchet High School. Over his high school career, he rushed for 3,814 yards and 44 touchdowns, leading his team to a state championship in 1974 and a remarkable 23-game win streak spanning three seasons. One of his most memorable performances came during the 1975 Metro League championship against Garfield, a four-overtime thriller in which Steele carried the ball 36 times for 140 yards, scored two rushing touchdowns, caught one, and threw the game-winning touchdown.

Steele continued his football career at the University of Washington, where he broke the 28-year-old single-season rushing record set by Husky legend Hugh McElhenny, a record he held until 1990. He also became the all-time career rushing leader at UW, a mark he held until 1994, finishing with 3,168 yards and 37 touchdowns. Steele earned Honorable Mention All-American honors, as well as All-Coast and All-Conference recognition. He helped lead the Huskies to a Rose Bowl victory in 1978 and a Sun Bowl victory in 1979.

Steele’s outstanding collegiate career was recognized with induction into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1996, cementing his legacy as one of Washington’s all-time greats in high school and college football.