Nearly three decades after his NFL debut, Kordell Stewart is telling his own story in Kordell Stewart / Slash & Burn, a new HBO documentary directed by Brian Rivera and produced by NFL Films. The film examines his football career and the personal challenges he faced while becoming one of the league's most recognizable players. It also addresses a damaging rumor that circulated during his playing days.
A mobile quarterback in an era of pocket passers
Stewart entered the league in 1995 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing a running ability that did not fit the traditional expectations for the position. Quarterbacks of that period were largely expected to operate from the pocket, while Stewart could make plays with his arm and his legs. His versatility earned him the nickname "Slash" as he contributed to Pittsburgh's offense at several positions.
That flexibility also made some evaluators doubt he belonged at quarterback. Stewart recalled that teams wanted him to try running back during the scouting process, and he refused, insisting he was a quarterback. He later said his success was sometimes measured more by statistics than by impact, a distinction he believes undervalued his contributions.
Rookie success and the path to the starting job
When Stewart joined Pittsburgh, he volunteered to help at other positions as injuries affected the offense. He and head coach Bill Cowher had an understanding that he would eventually get a chance to compete for the starting quarterback job. He helped the Steelers reach the Super Bowl in his rookie season and became the team's full-time starter in 1997, leading the club to the AFC Championship Game.
Revisiting a rumor and its personal cost
The documentary also examines a false rumor about Stewart's sexuality that spread during his career. Stewart denies the allegations and says he was stunned at how quickly the story traveled in an era before social media. He has said the controversy made him withdraw and rely on his faith, and that it affected how people treated him publicly and professionally. He also questions whether some of the hostility reflected resistance to seeing him succeed as Pittsburgh's quarterback.
Stewart describes the documentary as a chance to address that period on his own terms. "If I had to do it again, I'd do it the exact same way," he said.