Career Summary

Craig Steltz was an LSU safety who played six NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears.

Steltz played safety at LSU before beginning a six-season NFL career with the Chicago Bears. The NFL lists him as a 6-foot-1, 210-pound safety from LSU.

He appeared in 77 regular-season games for Chicago from 2008 through 2013.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

Early Life

Steltz was born in Metairie, Louisiana.

LSU lists Steltz's birthplace as Metairie, Louisiana. The NFL identifies New Orleans, Louisiana as his hometown.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

High School

Steltz attended Rummel High School, where his number was retired in 2008.

LSU records that Steltz became the first football player in Rummel High School history to have his number retired. The retirement took place in April 2008.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

College Career

Steltz developed into an All-America safety at LSU.

Steltz played at LSU and finished his college career as one of the program's notable defensive backs. LSU's record material lists him with six interceptions and 153 interception-return yards in 2007.

LSU includes Steltz among the defensive backs who earned first-team AP All-America honors.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

Path to the NFL

Steltz entered the NFL from LSU and joined the Chicago Bears in 2008.

After his LSU career, Steltz joined the Chicago Bears for the 2008 season. He made his NFL debut that year and played in 11 games as a rookie.

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NFL Career

Steltz played 77 games for Chicago and recorded 114 tackles, one interception and one sack.

Steltz appeared in 77 regular-season games with eight starts for the Bears from 2008 through 2013. NFL statistics credit him with 98 solo tackles, 16 assists and 114 total tackles.

He also recorded one interception for 44 yards, one sack, two passes defended and three forced fumbles during his NFL career.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

Career Accomplishments

Steltz earned first-team AP All-America recognition at LSU and completed six NFL seasons.

LSU identifies Steltz as a first-team AP All-America defensive back in 2007. He then completed a six-season NFL career with the Bears.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

Playing Style

Steltz was a safety whose NFL contributions included tackles, coverage plays and forced fumbles.

NFL statistics show Steltz contributing as a defensive back through tackles, an interception, passes defended and forced fumbles. His 2011 season included 52 total tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27

Legacy

Steltz's LSU career included a first-team AP All-America honor and a high school jersey retirement.

Steltz is included among LSU's first-team AP All-America defensive backs. At the high school level, LSU notes that he was the first Rummel football player to have his number retired.

Section reviewed 2026-09-27