Carroll College Athletics

J.D. Esteban (1983-86) was a standout wide receiver and return specialist for Coach Bob Petrino's Saints. He was a two-time All-Frontier Conference honoree and was an All-District selection his senior season (1985). Esteban was one of the nation's most dangerous return specialists; setting school records for both kick returns (28.25 yards per return) and punt returns (19.79 yards per return). As a senior, he led the team with 25 receptions for 671 yards and eight touchdowns, including three in one game against Western Montana College (now Montana Western). In 1985, the 6-1, 200-pounder led the nation in punt returns and was third in kickoff returns. He returned two kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns, highlighted by a 91 yard kick return against Black Hills State and 84-yard punt return against Chadron State. Both marks are second best in school history. Esteban signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers in 1987 and survived until the last round of cuts. He also spent time with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL.