Donte’ Stallworth: After A Costly Mistake, Stallworth Earned His Second Chance by Barry Barnes

Life has an unpredictable way of choosing how one should fulfill one’s destiny.

Washington Redskins’ wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth is an example of the countless individuals who have drawn up a plan for their life. His was to have a successful NFL career, at the least.  But from promise, to countless mistakes, the 13th overall selectee from the 2002 NFL draft has returned to his path to fulfill his destiny on the gridiron.

“It’s been great (being with the Redskins), I would like to have had won a lot more games than what we’ve been winning,” said Stallworth.  “But personally, things been good, getting back into the swing of things and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help the team win some ball games.”

The psychology major from the University of Tennessee was a burner with 4.2 40-yard-dash speed and was known for having great hands.  After being selected in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 2002, Stallworth looked to be one of the centerpieces for the franchise’s turnaround for success after decades of sorrow under then-head coach Jim Haslett, now the defensive coordinator for the Redskins.

The receiver started his career off nicely, despite experiencing nagging injuries.  Stallworth had his best years as a Saint when he posted 767 yards and five touchdowns in 2004 and 945 yards and seven touchdowns in 2005.

The former University of Tennessee Volunteer was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006 and had a decent season as he registered 725 yards and five touchdowns.

Compared to all NFL players, free agency for above-average individuals is a God-sent opportunity financially, for the athlete and their families.  Following his season with the Eagles, Stallworth was looking to capitalize in the free-agent market.

Then, life happened.

Hamstring issues haunted Stallworth and being placed on the league’s substance abuse program (the reason for which was undisclosed at the time) did not help his case either.  Despite those situations, Stallworth and the New England Patriots agreed to a six-year, $30 million deal with $3.5 million guaranteed in 2007.  The deal was incentive laden, giving the Patriots the option to release the wide receiver if he underachieved.

The Patriots released Stallworth the following year, but he bounced back with another huge signing, this time with the Cleveland Browns as he agreed to a seven-year deal worth $35 million in 2008.

Life looked good for Stallworth financially and in his playing career as he locked up a long-term deal with the Browns — until a costly mistake one fatal night.

On March 16, 2009, Stallworth was driving his Bentley coupe  in Miami while intoxicated when he struck and killed 59-year-old Mario Reyes as he was leaving work to go home.  Stallworth cooperated with authorities and reached a financial settlement with the Reyes family.

Stallworth was sentenced to 30-days in prison. In addition to the courtroom judgement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the wide receiver for a season and the Browns terminated his contract.

The NFL was secondary in the mind of Stallworth compared to (mistakenly) taking a man’s life but after his suspension was over, rather than continuously persecuting himself for the incident, Stallworth got back on his feet and signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens in 2010.  After breaking his foot in a preseason game against the New York Giants, Stallworth did not see the field until last October.

Last season, Stallworth was honored by the Ravens with the Ed Block Courage Award — an honor given to a player from his teammates due to his return from the foot injury.

Stallworth continues to have supporters from Baltimore.

“I would say… from Twitter, I still have a lot of Ravens’ fans congratulating and wishing me well and I’m greatly appreciative of that,” said Stallworth, with a grin.

It was no surprise that the Ravens did not re-sign Stallworth. He was misused as a wide receiver in Baltimore.  Stallworth was rarely thrown to and when the pass-catcher’s name was called, oftentimes it was to run a reverse.

Stallworth was thought to be a major player in the NFL because of his speed, great hands and professionalism.  Clearly, the wide receiver was not able to catch on to those expectations after experiencing injuries and the costly mistake that took a man’s life.

Nevertheless, Stallworth’s talent could never be ignored, as he always managed to find teams who were interested in signing him.  The Redskins came calling and the team and Stallworth agreed to a one-year deal July 29, 2011.  Stallworth loves the Washington D.C. area but wishes he was able to do more to help the Redskins win ball games.

“Yes, I do… I love being here. The fans, the organization and my teammates have been supportive,” said Stallworth.  “I appreciate the opportunities I had to contribute but I wish that I was able to do more with the opportunities I had to help this team win this season.”

Stallworth delivered on several clutch plays for the Redskins this season.  With one contest remaining in this 2011 campaign against Philadelphia Eagles, Stallworth has 21 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.

Stallworth was released and put on waivers by the Redskins on November 8th. A week later he was re-signed after Washington placed rookie wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and defensive end Kedric Golston on Injured Reserve.

The veteran receiver feels he’s more fit than he ever has been at the age of 31.  Stallworth stresses to the younger receivers on the team how important it is to stay in shape and eat right – which is half the battle as a professional athlete.

Besides the Redskins’ running game, Stallworth was a bright spot for the burgundy and gold, along with tight end Fred Davis and fellow wide out Jabar Gaffney.

Stallworth recognizes that he’s blessed and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play on any team in the NFL.  Most specifically, Stallworth did not need a fatal accident to humble him, but he does view life from a different window.

Stallworth will definitely be a topic of conversation for the Redskins this offseason as they desperately need skill players on the offensive side of the ball.

Will the Redskins make Stallworth an offer, which would allow him to end his career in Washington?

Stallworth is hopeful and if the Redskins re-sign him long-term, they would provide a solid fixture for the organization and the community as No. 19 earned his second chance.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” said Stallworth.