Today we’d like to introduce you to Stedman Bailey.
Hi Stedman, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Miami in a single parent household as the youngest of five siblings. As a kid, my intellectual and athletic abilities helped me excel, but it was my athletic skillset that truly stuck out and got me noticed. I’m definitely a product of my environment. Most kids in my neighborhood growing up hoped to make a way for themselves through sports. For me, not having my dad around made me realize how much my mom was having to sacrifice for us. I knew if I could make it to the NFL I’d be able to change my family’s life.
My mom signed me up for football at the age of 9 to keep me out of trouble. It took me almost a year to really begin enjoying the sport. Once I got over my fears, I quickly became the star of my little league teams. I had a successful high school career and received scholarships from multiple universities all across the country. I decided to attend West Virginia University because they offered a promising football career and education, even though it was over a thousand miles away from home. I figured being away from home would help me grow.
I redshirted as a freshman, but that one setback motivated me to fulfill the promises I had made to myself and my mom. So after a year of sitting on the sidelines, I got on the field and contributed heavily to our offensive success. I broke every record in West Virginia and was up for the Biletnikoff Award, which honors the best wide receiver in college football. I entered the 2012 NFL Draft and was drafted 92nd overall to the St. Louis Rams. I couldn’t have been happier to be able fulfill my goals, but in 2015 my football career was cut short when I became a victim of gun violence while visiting home in Miami.
I survived two gunshot wounds to the head and was in critical condition. After surgery and a lengthy road to recovery, I was lucky enough to return to my life – minus my football career. I knew God had bigger things in store for me but I had to explore a new path and direction in life. I’m now a motivational speaker and entrepreneur focused on using my testimony to impact others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe life will serve us all a fair share of ups and downs. Being shot twice was my biggest adversity, setback, opposition… It took me a while to come to terms with what had happened and how drastically it changed my life. However, I couldn’t allow that storm to last forever. I had to live my life, chase my purpose and focus on leaving as much of a positive impact as I can.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently a full-time entrepreneur and motivational speaker. I use my football knowledge and expertise to train kids from my community who share that dream of making it into the NFL. I use my personal experience to advocate against gun violence and I have a brand called Positive Energee. Positive Energee is a global brand that represents having a healthy relationship with yourself, celebrating your style and successes while encouraging those around you. When you focus on the positive things, life is golden!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I read a lot of different books, but I really enjoy those that talk about spiritual enlightenment. I can truly say books help me continue to have a positive mindset about life. In terms of podcasts, Inky Johnson’s Serendipity is one I listen to most often. There are a ton of great podcasts from motivational speakers that really give great food for thought, especially in terms of evolving and growing as a man.
Contact Info:
- Email: talent@madebyupstate.com
- Website: stedmanbailey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steddyambition/
Image Credits
Lipstick Royalty Images, CSSJ
