He wasn’t as physical as most pro receivers, but Stephone Paige had everything else: speed, agility,athleticism, toughness and great hands. Paige’s climb to gridiron greatness-ten seasons in the National Football League-began at Long Beach Poly High School and continued at Santa Ana’s Saddleback Junior College and Fresno State. He spent nine years with the Kansas City Chiefs beginning in 1983 and his final pro season with the Minnesota Vikings. Paige had a record-setting career with the Chiefs, catching passes in 83 consecutive games. He is listed among the Chiefs’ top receivers for twenty-plus yard receptions (15), 100-yard games (10), and yards per career with 6,341. The signature game of Paige’s pro career was undoubtedly the December 22, 1985 match-up between the Chiefs and long-time rival San Diego Chargers. His receptions that day totaled a record-setting 309 yards for the Pro Bowl-bound Paige.

During his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, Paige played in 125 games, caught 377 passes, scored forty-nine touchdowns and amassed a 16.8-yard average. The most catches he made in one season were 65 in 1990 and 61 in 1988. The most yards he totaled in one season were 1,021 in 1990 and 943 in 1985. His best scoring seasons were 1986 with eleven touchdowns and 1985 with ten. His longest scoring passes were for 86 yards in 1990 and 84 yards in 1985.

As a kick returner in 1985, he gained 544 yards on twenty-seven returns for a 20.1- yard average. A lean target at 6’2″ and 184 pounds, Paige learned his pigskin basics playing for the Poly Jackrabbits, one of the nation’s foremost prep athletic programs. Later, Paige’s outstanding performances for the Bulldogs placed him in a select group of the school’s all-time best receivers that included Henry Ellard, Charlie Jones, Bernard Berrian, and Rodney Wright. His accolades included selection to the California Junior College Hall of Fame.