The last thing Donte’ Stallworth wants is for someone to drive after drinking alcohol. He knows this because he did one too many times. You see Stallworth is one of the unfortunate few to have killed an innocent after drinking and driving.
Stallworth is in his second stint as a receiver for the New England Patriots. He notes that not much has changed in Patriots camp – Bill Bellichek is still the head coach and Tom Brady is still one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game. As reported in www.tennessean.com.
What has changed is Stallworth. That goes for on and off the field.
Stallworth ranked fourth on the team in receptions (46), third in receiving yards (697) and tied Randy Moss for the lead in average yards per catch (15.2) during his lone season in New England. The 6-foot, 220-pound wideout caught three touchdowns, including one that covered 69 yards.
There’s no doubt his greatest, most meaningful growth has come in the game of life.
Stallworth spent 30 days in jail after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter following an accident that killed a pedestrian in Florida during the offseason. That led the NFL to suspend him for the 2009 season.
The Browns cut him loose upon his reinstatement, leaving him without a job — but not hope. Never once did he consider the possibility his NFL career was over.
Stallworth is sober now and has taken 20 hour alcohol classes and mentors younger players on the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse. I hope this is a turn-around season for Stallworth and he can continue to be a positive influence on younger players.