John Stephens (American football)

John Milton Stephens (February 23, 1966 - September 1, 2009) was a professional American football player who was selected by the New England Patriots in the 1st round (17th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. A 6'1", 220 lbs. running back from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, Stephens played in 6 NFL seasons from 1988-1993 for the Patriots, the Green Bay Packers, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a rookie for the Patriots during the 1988 NFL season, Stephens rushed for 1,168 yards and was selected to his one and only Pro Bowl. His one daughter, Sloane Stephens, born in 1993, is an American professional tennis player.

Stephens died in Keithville, Louisiana, on September 1, 2009 in a car accident.