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Curtis Stewart (American football)

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Curtis Stewart
No. 28
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born:(1963-06-04)June 4, 1963
Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Died:July 3, 1996(1996-07-03) (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

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.

Early life

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Stewart 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

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Stewart 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

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On 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

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In 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

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  1. ^ a b "Two Pick Auburn". April 1982. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Stewart making the grade". August 11, 1985. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  3. ^ "His Former Blocker Picks Bests by Bo". Los Angeles Times. September 3, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  4. ^ "Jackson hot at scrimmage". August 31, 1986. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  5. ^ "Harris comes through for AU". October 4, 1987. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  6. ^ "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SOUTH; L.S.U. Surges Past Georgia". The New York Times. October 11, 1987. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  7. ^ "Transactions". February 4, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  8. ^ "12 Bears To Go But Suhey Stays". Chicago Tribune. September 4, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  9. ^ "NFL Transactions". Chicago Tribune. August 24, 1988. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  10. ^ "Becker among 12 cut by Bears". September 5, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  11. ^ "Dallas Cowboys release running back Darryt Clack". November 22, 1989. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  12. ^ "Still a force: 1996 state champion Vols still revere assistant". Retrieved January 12, 2019.
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