Steve Wisniewski, the great offensive lineman who played for the Oakland Raiders from 1989-2001, has re-joined the Silver and Black as assistant offensive line coach.
"Steve is my shining star," said Raiders Head Coach Hue Jackson. "His intensity, passion and vision were right in line with what I'm looking for. He was a great Raider player and I am looking forward and excited about working with him."
Wisniewski spent his entire NFL career with the Raiders, starting 175 straight games prior to retiring. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times (1990-95, '97 and 2000), tying a Raider franchise record, and was elected as a Raiders team captain seven times. Wisniewski was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s and missed only two of a possible 208 career games.
Wisniewski initially retired after the 2000 season, but returned to perform at a high level for the Silver and Black when asked to by Owner Al Davis.
"I'm back with my first love, the Oakland Raiders," said Wisniewski, who played in nine postseason contests for the Silver and Black, including two AFC Championship games. "I'm thrilled to be working in the building again for the Silver and Black and helping to shape the future of the offensive line."
Wisniewski served as strength and conditioning intern at Stanford University last season. Wisniewski helped the Cardinal to a 12-1 season that culminated in the program's first-ever BCS appearance, a 40-12 victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.
Wisniewski was a three-year starter as a guard at Penn State and was one of two sophomores to start on the 1986 National Championship team. One of just four Penn State offensive linemen to earn a pair of first-team All-American honors, he was recognized in 1988 by the American Football Coaches (AFCA) and also earned All-American accolades from The Sporting News. A 1988 team captain, Wisniewski is one of just two offensive linemen to earn Penn State's team MVP honor since its creation in 1978.
A native of Rutland, Vt., Wisniewski earned a degree in marketing from Penn State in 1989. His older brother, Leo, was a standout defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions from 1979-81.
