Steve Tasker
NFL
5× First-team All-Pro (1991–1995)
7× Pro Bowl (1987, 1990–1995)
Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame
Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team
Sportscasting
About Steve Tasker
Steve Tasker: Buffalo’s Special Teams Legend
When it comes to Buffalo sports, few names resonate with fans quite like Steve Tasker. Born on April 10, 1962, Tasker has become synonymous with dedication, grit, and excellence. Over the course of his storied career with the Buffalo Bills, Tasker transformed the role of the special teams player into an art form and helped define one of the most successful eras in team history. To this day, his legacy as a Buffalo icon remains unmatched, on and off the field.
From Kansas to Canton (Almost)
Steve Tasker’s football journey began humbly in Smith Center, Kansas. After an impressive college career at Northwestern, where he set school records as a return specialist, he was drafted in the ninth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. Two seasons later, the Buffalo Bills came calling, claiming Tasker off waivers in 1986. It was in Buffalo where his career would take off—and where he would etch his name in football history.
While Tasker was listed as a wide receiver, his true genius emerged on special teams. Tasker redefined what it meant to be a “gunner” on kick and punt coverage. His blazing speed and knack for fearless tackling made him one of the most impactful special teams players the NFL has ever seen. Standing just 5 feet 9 inches tall, Tasker proved that heart, skill, and determination could trump size and physicality.
A Career of Firsts and Records
Tasker’s resume speaks for itself. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a five-time First-Team All-Pro, and the first special teams player in NFL history to be named Pro Bowl MVP (1993). Over his career, he tallied 204 special teams tackles, blocked seven punts, and created countless nightmares for opposing returners.
His career also included key contributions during critical moments in Buffalo’s playoff games. For example, Tasker’s 67-yard kickoff return in the 1994 playoffs set up a touchdown that helped secure a win. His versatility extended beyond special teams, with 51 receptions for 779 yards and nine touchdowns as a wide receiver during his time with the Bills.
During the 1990s, Tasker played an essential role in the Bills’ incredible run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. While the team fell just short of a championship, Tasker’s tenacity and leadership solidified his place as one of the pillars of Buffalo’s success during those years.
Recognition and the Wall of Fame
Tasker’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was named to the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame in 2007, joining the greatest figures in franchise history. He’s also part of the Bills 50th Anniversary All-Time Team and has been a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame multiple times.
While the NFL Hall of Fame has yet to officially call his name, fans and football historians alike continue to advocate for Tasker’s deserved place in Canton. After all, he was one of the first players to achieve superstar status through his contributions on special teams—a testament to just how unique and influential his career was.
Life After Football
Since hanging up his cleats in 1997, Tasker has remained a prominent figure in the Buffalo community. He quickly transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, serving as a reporter and color analyst for CBS Sports. His insights and relatability made him a favorite among fans, not just in Buffalo but across the NFL.
Locally, Tasker co-hosts “One Bills Live,” a daily radio and TV show alongside Chris Brown, where he continues to share his expertise and passion for the game. He’s also a fixture at community events and remains a steadfast supporter of all things Buffalo.
Why Steve Tasker is a Buffalo Icon
Steve Tasker’s legacy transcends his stats and achievements. For Buffalo fans, he’s the ultimate underdog story—a player who wasn’t the biggest or flashiest but who outworked and outperformed the competition through sheer determination. He represents the hardworking, never-give-up attitude that defines the Buffalo spirit.
For anyone who grew up watching the Bills in the 1990s, Tasker’s name is synonymous with the team’s iconic era. Whether he was sprinting down the field to tackle a returner, setting up a game-changing play, or rallying his teammates, Tasker embodied the heart and soul of Buffalo football.