Donté Stallworth is a former NFL wide receiver whose professional career and high profile legal case remain topics of public interest. This overview focuses on verified information about key dates in his life and career, providing clarity on timelines that fans and researchers often seek.
Below is a structured summary of major milestones, followed by deeper exploration of his football achievements, legal events, and public impact. Each section targets specific search intents related to Stallworth’s timeline and context.
| Event | Date | Team or Context | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | July 15, 1979 | United States | Born in New Orleans, Louisiana |
| College | 1998–2001 | University of Miami | Played football and declared for NFL draft after junior year |
| NFL Draft | 2002 | New England Patriots | Third round pick (65th overall) |
| Super Bowl Win | 2004 | New England Patriots | Won Super Bowl XXXIX as rookie reserve wide receiver |
| Vehicle Accident | February 14, 2009 | Nashville, Tennessee | Resulted in death of pedestrian and criminal charges |
| Plea and Sentence | 2009–2012 | Legal proceedings | Pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, served 24 days in jail |
| NFL Suspension | 2009 | NFL | Suspended one season without pay |
| Return to Play | 2010 | Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns | Played two additional seasons after reinstatement |
Early Career and College Timeline
Stallworth’s college years at the University of Miami shaped his path to the NFL. As a standout receiver, he earned All-American honors and opted to enter the 2002 NFL draft. Understanding this phase helps contextualize his rapid entry into professional football and the expectations placed on him by scouting teams.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season Impact
Selected by the New England Patriots in the third round, Stallworth spent his rookie year primarily on special teams and as a backup. Despite limited snaps, he was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXXIX. His draft trajectory illustrates how late-round prospects can still contribute to championship rosters with discipline and readiness.
Vehicle Accident and Legal Proceedings
Incident Overview
On February 14, 2009, Stallworth struck a pedestrian while driving under the influence in Nashville. The accident resulted in the death of 24-year-old Mario Reyes. A toxicology report confirmed intoxication, leading to charges of vehicular homicide. This event marked a turning point in his public and professional life.
Plea, Conviction, and Consequences
Stallworth pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, received a 30-day jail sentence, and was suspended by the NFL for one year without pay. He also reached a civil settlement with Reyes’s family. These legal outcomes highlight the serious ramifications of impaired driving, even for professional athletes.
Post Suspension Career Moves
After his suspension, Stallworth returned to the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 and later played for the Cleveland Browns. He recorded career totals of 146 receptions, 1,664 yards, and 6 touchdowns. This stage of his career reflects resilience and the opportunity to rebuild at the highest level of professional football.
Career Highlights and Key Takeaways
- Born July 15, 1979, in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Played college football at the University of Miami
- Drafted in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots
- Won Super Bowl XXXIX as a rookie season contributor
- Involved in a fatal vehicle accident in February 2009
- Pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, served jail time, and received an NFL suspension
- Returned to play for the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns
FAQ
Reader questions
When was Donté Stallworth born?
Donté Stallworth was born on July 15, 1979.
Which team drafted Donté Stallworth, and in what year?
He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Did Stallworth win a Super Bowl during his NFL career?
Yes, he was part of the New England Patriots roster that won Super Bowl XXXIX.
What legal event significantly impacted his career?
A 2009 vehicle accident led to a guilty plea for vehicular homicide, resulting in jail time and an NFL suspension.