Steve Johnson was a former Merchant Marine who came to Salem working as a mercenary. He had a vendetta against his former best friend, Bo Brady (Kayla's brother) who had gouged out his eye during a fight long ago. His bad boy image and criminal actions were no match for the beautiful good girl, Kayla Brady. One night, he rescued her from a street gang and, eventually, the two fell in love. Steve learned to use sign language to communicate with her. Kayla's speech returned on her wedding day when she said "I do" to marrying Steve.