Career
He played college football at the University of Washington and was drafted in the tenth round of the 1942 NFL Draft. He played in two NFL championship games for the Philadelphia Eagles. After ending his football career Steele opened a diner and sports bar in Seattle, named "Ernie Steele"son" lieutenant became a landmark and operated under that name until he sold it in 1993.
After the sale it was known as Ileen"s Sports Bar, but the back was called "The Ernie Room."
Steele died in Seattle, Washington on October 16, 2006.