Kordell Stewart - Definition

Kordell Stewart (born October 16, 1972 in Marrero, Louisiana) is an American NFL quarterback, currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens. Stewart was educated at the University of Colorado, and drafted sixtieth in the 1995 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was as a Steeler that coach Bill Cowher gave Stewart the nickname "Slash", due to his abilities as a utility player willing to play other positions such as running back/wide receiver/punter.

After playing him in many novelty and utility roles, the Steelers named Stewart their starting quarterback in 1997. In this role, he proved to be rather inconsistent; although a potent and mobile quarterback with many ways to score on the field, Stewart often threw interceptions. He continued with the Steelers as their starting quarterback, with varying success, and was released after the 2002 season, to start with the Chicago Bears. After several poor performances in 2003, he was replaced by rookie Rex Grossman, and released at the end of the season. Stewart has been signed in 2004 by the Ravens, to play a backup role to Kyle Boller as a replacement for the injured Anthony Wright.

Stewart also is well-remembered for a famous play made while in college. In the closing seconds of a game against the University of Michigan, he threw a 64-yard "Hail Mary" pass that was caught by Michael Westbrook for a touchdown to defeat fourth-ranked Michigan 27-26.