Curtis James Stewart (June 4, 1963 – July 3, 1996) was an American professional football running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Auburn University.
| No. 28 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | June 4, 1963 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died: | July 3, 1996 (aged 33) Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Height: | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight: | 208 lb (94 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Jefferson Davis (AL) |
| College: | Auburn |
| Undrafted: | 1988 |
| Career history | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life
editStewart attended Jefferson Davis High School. He posted 1,430 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior.[1] He helped the team achieve a 10–0 regular season record and reach the state's 4A playoff semifinals.[1]
He was a highly recruited football player in Alabama, but his grades didn't meet the NCAA's standards to receive a scholarship.[2]
College career
editStewart enrolled at Ferrum College to improve his grades. He was the team's leading rusher as a freshman, transferring at the end of the season to Auburn University.[2]
As a sophomore, he didn't see much action in a team that had future NFL players Bo Jackson, Brent Fullwood, Tommie Agee and Tim Jessie at the running back position. As a junior, although he was listed as the third-string running back behind Jackson and Fullwood, he was used predominantly as a blocker, registering 37 carries for 199 yards and one touchdown.[3]
In 1986, because of the talent level at the running back position, he was tried briefly at linebacker, before being redshirted to extend his college eligibility.[4]
As a redshirt senior, the starter James Joseph cracked his left kneecap in September, opening the door for Stewart to be one of the players employed in a running back by committee approach.[5] He was fifth on the team with 54 carries for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. He scored 2 rushing touchdowns against Vanderbilt University.[6] He finished his college career with 92 carries for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Professional career
editOn February 3, Stewart was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chicago Bears after the 1988 NFL draft, to be used as a fullback.[7][8] He was placed on the injured reserve list on August 23.[9] He was released on September 4, 1989.[10]
In October 1989, he was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. On November 21, he was promoted to the active roster.[11] He wasn't re-signed after the season.
Coaching career and death
editIn 1992, Stewart was named a volunteer assistant coach and strength coach at Jefferson Davis High School, contributing to the team winning a state championship in 1996. On July 3, he died from injuries suffered in a traffic accident on U.S. Route 80, between Selma and Montgomery.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b "Two Pick Auburn". April 1982. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ a b "Stewart making the grade". August 11, 1985. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "His Former Blocker Picks Bests by Bo". Los Angeles Times. September 3, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Jackson hot at scrimmage". August 31, 1986. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Harris comes through for AU". October 4, 1987. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SOUTH; L.S.U. Surges Past Georgia". The New York Times. October 11, 1987. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Transactions". February 4, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "12 Bears To Go But Suhey Stays". Chicago Tribune. September 4, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "NFL Transactions". Chicago Tribune. August 24, 1988. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Becker among 12 cut by Bears". September 5, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Dallas Cowboys release running back Darryt Clack". November 22, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
- ^ "Still a force: 1996 state champion Vols still revere assistant". Retrieved January 12, 2019.