Steve Niehaus (born September 25, 1954) is a former American defensive tackle who played for 4 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was the first draft pick for the Seattle Seahawks and the second player taken in the 1976 NFL Draft. Niehaus was the 1976 NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year and holds the Seahawk rookie record for sacks in a season with 9½. He suffered multiple knee injuries which ended his career. Notes 1954 births Living people All-American college football players American football defensive tackles Minnesota Vikings players Notre Dame Fighting Irish football players Seattle Seahawks players