Hall of Fame
Steve Puthoff ranks as one of the top three receivers in APSU football history. In 3½ seasons (1977-80), he caught 108 passes, including 13 TDs, averaging 17 yards per reception. The then 6-2, 185 pounder enjoyed an outstanding senior season, hauling in 43 passes for 912 yards (21.2 yards per catch) to earn third-team Associated Press All-America honors as well as first-team All-OVC honors. The Cincinnati native was known for his excellent hands, great moves, precise routes to go with deceptive speed and tremendous instincts. Puthoff was a member of the 1977 OVC championship team, catching 14 passes for 172 yards after moving into the regular lineup. As a sophomore, he had 32 catches for 401 yards and six TDs, despite missing two games. Puthoff was a 1979 pre-season All-OVC selection. However, a severe shoulder separation limited him to just four games in 1979. Despite missing seven games, he still tied for the team lead in receptions with 19 (352 yards). Puthoff graduated in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He served as a graduate assistant at Middle Tennessee in 1982 and then Cincinnati in 1983. Since 1984, he has served as a buyer for Holley Replacement Parts in Goodlettsville and lives in Chapmansboro.
