Nebraska Wesleyan University Athletics

Steve Deshazer (Kansas City, Mo.) was one of the most dominant defensive players in NWU football history during his two seasons with the Plainsmen in 1988-89. Deshazer was an imposing factor to opposing offenses from his linebacker position.

After transferring to NWU from Nebraska, Deshazer made an immediate impact as a junior in 1988 earning First-Team All-NIAC honors at linebacker. As a senior he was named honorable mention NAIA Div. II All-American and First-Team All-NIAC for the second straight year.

During Deshazer’s two seasons he helped the Plainsmen to two straight NIAC Championships and two appearances in the NAIA Playoffs. In NWU’s only ever playoff victory over Chadron State in the 1989 playoffs, Deshazer was named the Defensive Player of the Game with 12 tackles.

Deshazer also was an All-American in track & field after placing fifth in the shot put at the 1989 NCAA DIII Outdoor Track Championships. He left NWU ranked fourth on the shot put all-time charts.