Steve Niehaus (born September 25, 1954) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for four seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Niehaus was the first draft pick for the Seattle Seahawks and the second player taken in the 1976 NFL draft. Niehaus was the 1976 NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year and holds the Seahawk rookie record for sacks in a season with 9½. He suffered multiple knee injuries which ended his career.