Bio
Antwaan Randle El, born on Augst 17, 1979 in Riverdale, Illinois, is currently a wide
receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers following three seasons with the Washington Redskins as a punt returner and wide receiver.
Randle El was a quarterback in college at Indiana University where he was considered one of the premier offensive threats in the Big Ten Conference. Randle El was the first player in Division I history to pass for 40 career touchdowns and score 40 career touchdowns. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2001, and was named the first-team All-American quarterback by the Footbal Writers Association of America. While attending Indiana University, Randle El also played varsity basketball. His coach was Bob Knight.
Randle El was selected in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Subsequently, the Steelers moved him to the receiver position where he was occasionally called on to pass on trick plays, most notably in Super Bowl XL in which he threw a pass for a touchdown. On March 12, 2006, Randle El signed a seven-year deal to play with the Washington Redskins. In March of 2010, the Redskins released Randle El and four days later, he agreed to a three-year contract to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Since starting in the league Antwaan has been a strong supporter of his NFL homes, regularly donating his time to local charities. During the holiday season, Antwaan can usually be seen handing out turkeys, coats, and other Christmas gifts in his playing and hometown cities.
The first annual Antwaan Randle El Thanksgiving Food Drive took place in Pittsburgh in 2003 at Dick's Clothing and Sporting Goods at The Mall in Robinson to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The food drive was held for three years in conjunction with Dick's Clothing store. Antwaan continued the same tradition during his three seasons in Washington.
A deeply religious person, Antwaan feels blessed with his supportive family, friends, and coaches. He established the EL Foundation to share some of the strength he has received from others.
Older brother, Curtis, was a defensive back at Indiana (1996-99) who played in 32 career games. Younger brother, Marcus, is a receiver at the University of Wisconsin.
Antwaan is married with five children.