Few athletes in the history of Cal State Bakersfield – or anywhere, for that matter – have achieved what Stephen Neal did. A two-time NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion, four-time All-American, and winner of the 1999 Dan Hodge Trophy, Neal dominated collegiate wrestling before going on to win the World Wrestling Championships.

Yet, what makes his story even more extraordinary is what came next: a decade-long NFL career and three Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, all without ever having played college football.

On Oct. 25, Neal will take his rightful place among the inaugural inductees into the CSUB Athletics Hall of Fame, a recognition of a career – and a life – defined by belief, resilience, and relentless work.

Neal’s record at CSUB remains legendary. His 156 career victories and 71 pins are still school records. In 1999, after capturing his second consecutive national championship, Neal earned wrestling’s highest individual honor – the Dan Hodge Trophy, the sport’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. He capped that same year with a gold medal at the Pan American Games and a world title at the World Wrestling Championships. In less than a year, Neal had conquered every level of wrestling. 

But true to his nature, he wasn’t finished. Despite not playing football since high school, Neal decided to pursue an NFL dream that most would have dismissed as impossible. In 2001, he signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. By 2002, he was on the 53-man roster. Over the next 10 seasons, Neal would become a mainstay on the Patriots’ offensive line, protecting Tom Brady and helping the team capture three Super Bowl titles (2001, 2004, 2005).

That fighter’s mentality was evident from his first days in Bakersfield. CSUB alumnus and wrestling coach Darryl Pope recalled that when Neal was at his best, he was easygoing and lighthearted.

“If Stephen wasn’t joking, if he wasn’t laughing, he wasn’t talking, and he wasn’t relaxed, he wasn’t ready. That’s what made him tick,” Pope said. “He never made the Pro Bowl, but my response to that is this: Stephen Neal, having played no college football, walks on and makes the New England Patriots, arguably the greatest franchise in NFL history…When Coach Belichick says ‘Steve, I want you to play right here at Right Guard and protect Tom Brady for the next 10 years,’ I don’t care what anybody says—that’s All-Pro.”

Neal’s influence extended beyond statistics and accolades. His teammate and friend Coby Wright remembers him as both a fierce competitor and a humble man of faith. “Off the mat, Steve wasn’t anything like he was on the mat…He was great at his sport, but I feel like the legacy he leaves is his character and the relationships he has with his wife, his family, his kids. That’s what’s most important to him. His main objective in life is to show people about Christ and how he feels that affected him.”

For Wright, Neal’s combination of fearlessness and humility set him apart. “Steve had no fear, and he didn’t have that fear of being tired that a lot of wrestlers have. His heart was in it, and you can’t do that well without believing in your coach’s philosophy.”

Neal’s faith in his coaches – T.J. Kerr, Darryl Pope, and Rich Bailey – and in the CSUB program became a defining part of his journey: “These guys shaped me and molded me into who I became. Without my teammates, I’m still that wrestler that took fourth at State.” 

Even after his retirement from professional football, Neal’s connection to wrestling and to Bakersfield remains strong. He continues to credit the sport for shaping him, not only physically but as a person as well. “The sport of wrestling gave me cuts, cauliflower ear. It shaped me. But the biggest thing is our camaraderie and how we went to battle every single day. We fought so hard, but at the end of the day, we are best friends still.” 

When Neal learned of his Hall of Fame selection, he saw it not just as personal validation, but as recognition for everyone who helped him along the way: “Being inducted into the [CSUB Athletics] Hall of Fame is a very special thing for me. I worked really hard, and to get the recognition that people see how hard I worked – and the people that helped me get there, getting them honored as well – is very special.” 

From the wrestling mats of Bakersfield to the Super Bowl sidelines of New England, Stephen Neal’s story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and the belief that no dream is too far-fetched when you’re willing to fight for it. His journey embodies the spirit of the Roadrunners – gritty, hard-working, and forever faithful to the lessons learned on that Blue and Gold mat.

Those interested in celebrating the career and legacy of Neal on Oct. 25 can purchase tickets for the Induction Ceremony at the link below.