Anthony Steels Battling Cancer, Seeking Awareness

Video: Husker Hero Anthony Steels

'Slick Steels' Husker Highlight Reel

By Randy York, The N-Sider

One of Nebraska’s most unique walk-on football players ever has Stage 4 prostate cancer. Anthony “Slick Steels” walked on from a military base in Saragosa, Spain, and went on to earn the prestigious Guy Chamberlin Trophy for inspiring teammates in 1981.

Steels, however, is remembered more for being the only football player in Husker history to sing the National Anthem (pictured above) on the same day he was playing. “Anthony was a good singer and a very fine player – a good blocker, receiver and ball carrier,” Hall-of-Fame coach Tom Osborne once told me. “He had a great career here, and has really battled his way through some substance abuse problems.”

Osborne, who was often the only meaningful contact in Steels’ shattered life, is coming through for “Slick” Steels again Friday night, serving as the keynote speaker for “A Night to Remember Benefit” beginning at 6 p.m. at the Millard (Neb.) Social Hall. Former Husker teammate Tony Felici will emcee the event, which is designed to help Steels’ family and to provide educational information on prostate cancer.

“It started spreading in my liver and it’s getting hard to breathe,” Steels told me, pointing out that he has been back and forth between a rehab center and the hospital. “I’m just going to continue to keep doing what’s in front of me and keep pushing on with life,” he said.

Steels Will Continue Doing What’s in Front of Him and Push on with Life

Steels (above right with fellow Guy Chamberlin Award recipients Shane Swanson left and Mark Blazek middle) said radiation and chemo treatments have been exhaustive and he's hoping something different will work. “I think this is going to be a marvelous event, but it’s really for my daughter and my wife and for helping others understand prostate cancer.

“I wanted to do something for the community, so others can understand how prostate cancer is a silent killer, especially for black males,” Steels said. “I think it’s lovely and awesome that so many people wanted to do a benefit, but I just want to help others learn about this deadly disease.

“Coach Osborne is so generous,” Steels said. “He did not hesitate. I received a second  chance years ago with my addiction problem. God came through for that, so this is the same type of battle, spiritually, emotionally and in some cases physically. I have been blessed beyond measure, but I don’t want to leave my family empty-handed. I don’t know how to thank the friends I went to college with that are showing their support and their love. It has been beautiful.”

Jerry Weber: Steels Survived Tough Times; Great Guy, Great Teammate

Jerry Weberhas been a pivotal part of Nebraska Athletics for four decades. “Anthony is a unique, talented guy,” he said. “I remember when he was asked to sing the National Anthem on Senior Day. Everybody was in tears. It was such an emotional experience for the whole team. We did not play very well to get started because we were so moved hearing him sing.

“Anthony went through some tough times but got himself back together,” Weber said. “I only wish him the best of luck to beat this prostate cancer because he’s a good guy. He was a good player and even more important, he was a good teammate. You don’t always remember the best athletes but you remember the guys who help other guys. Anthony was that kind of person and we wish him the very best.”

Below are five more caring comments from Husker teammates who have gone above and beyond to create A Night to Remember Benefit for Anthony and his Family:

Tim Wurth (Omaha, Neb., Running Back, 1977-78-79): “Slick is my brother. My concern is his family’s need for help. Anthony’s own actions helped troubled youth, and he would do the same thing to help fellow teammates or family members. Maybe the true story is the example that our coach has set for all of his players to follow, Tom Osborne is a second father to most and the principle father to a few players. Coach Osborne has done so much for his players behind the scenes that nobody sees. He would do almost anything if asked. His acts of kindness and support are like a father’s – with unconditional love expecting nothing in return and setting an example for all to follow. I am paying it forward to help my brother and follow the example Coach Osborne set for all of us. The world be a better place to live if more of us would do the same.”

Mitch Krenk (Nebraska City, Neb., Tight End, 1981-82): “Slick has been battling prostate cancer for years. He’s fought this battle with the same toughness, sense of humor and humility that he always showed as a Husker. Slick was not only a great football player, but a great teammate to everyone. This connection has continued through the years. We all love Slick. The event is our way as former teammates, friends and family to give support and show our love to Slick, his wife and his daughter. I've heard from teammates from all over the country planning on coming. This is a true testament to our bond as letter winners. Once a Husker, Always a Husker!

Russell Gary (Minneapolis, Minn., Safety, 1978-79- 80): “Coach Osborne didn’t just coach us. He promoted us as men and it went way beyond football. His influence made us all who we are today. He was a great football coach and a greater person. When you go to college, you're on your own. Coach and his entire staff were determined to make men. They built the foundation for your life at the same time they built the team. I identified with Slick, who walked on from an Air Force Base in Spain. I also worked hard to earn a scholarship, received a degree and went on to play professional football. I’m a better father, a better husband and a better person.”

Rodney Lewis (Minneapolis, Minn.) Cornerback, 1979-80-81): “Slick, Russell and I were all freshmen together in 1977 and I still view them as my brothers. We’ve known each other for a long time. We were buddies, and we were roommates. When Slick was in the USFL and Russell and I were in New Orleans, we were still together. I love Slick and don’t think people understand how close you get when you play football together. We were and still are tight. I’m not ashamed to say I loved those guys. It hurts me that Slick is sick and fighting prostate cancer. We’ll be there because we love him.”

Jeff Quinn (Ord, Neb., Quarterback, 1978-79-80): “I wanted to fly up there in Omaha right away from Fort Worth, so I was glad to see a special event put together to help his wife and daughter. I can hardly believe it. Everybody on the team loved Slick. He was so talented athletically and musically. His story was so unique, coming here as a walk-on from Spain and becoming our starting wingback. Slick has defied so many odds and made it through some incredible battles. This may be the toughest one he has to face. I’m proud to be part of a team full of guys ready to help him, and I’m glad he’s so close to God. He’s a good man and an amazing example of perseverance for all of us.”

Details for A Night to Remember Benefit for Anthony Steels and His Family

A Night to Remember Benefit for Anthony Steels and his family will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Millard (Neb.) Social Hall (10508 South 144th Street). A formal 3-hour prime rib dinner and program will begin at 6 p.m. and feature Tom Osborne as the keynote speaker and former Husker teammate Tony Felici serving as the evening’s emcee.

“Omaha area musicians and former Husker players have teamed up to host this incredible event for Anthony Steels, his wife and daughter,” Felici said. “What an amazing night this will be.”

The night will feature live music from top Nebraska musicians and provide educational information on prostate cancer. Local art and Husker football memorabilia will be auctioned to benefit the Steels’ family.

Dinner tickets are $100 per person. For information, contact Tim Wurth at 402-397-7890 (timwurth25@aol.com) or Martha Florence at 402-570-1522. Tickets for three hours of music and dancing beginning at 9 p.m. are $10 per person at the door.

After a Rough Year, Steels Still Brings Good Cheer

Huskers Help Honor the Past and Inspire the Future

Road to Recovery: Steels Overcomes Drug Addiction

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Voices from Husker Nation

Thank you for your piece on Slick. My last year of pro football was with Slick in Boston with the Boston Breakers. He was a gamer, tough and talented. I loved lining up with Slick running behind me. I’m flying to Omaha to attend Friday night’s event. I would not miss it. Tony Davis, Ft. Collins, Colorado