Kordell Stewart: Rumor derailed my Hall of Fame career

Kordell Stewart, a former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, believes a fabricated rumor alleging he was gay prematurely ended his NFL career and hindered his chances for Hall of Fame induction. Stewart, who played from 1995 to 2007, was a dynamic player known for his unique dual-threat abilities, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2001 and finishing fourth in MVP voting that year.

The rumor, which surfaced in the mid-1990s, alleged Stewart was arrested for a lewd act with another man. Stewart vehemently denies the accusation, stating the arrest never occurred and the rumor was never substantiated, even after an investigation by the Steelers organization. He feels the unsubstantiated allegation created a significant distraction that negatively impacted his performance and career.

Stewart discusses the impact of this rumor and his reasons for addressing it in the new HBO short documentary, 'Kordell Stewart: Slash & Burn.' He explains that the documentary serves as a cathartic release and an opportunity for fans and observers to understand his career properly. Stewart expresses a desire for his athletic achievements to be recognized, particularly his potential for "upper-room greatness" in the Hall of Fame.