From Gridiron Star To Survivor: What Is Stedman Bailey Doing Now?

The story of Stedman Bailey is one of resilience, triumph over tragedy, and a second act that is arguably more inspiring than his first. As of December 2025, the former NFL wide receiver is no longer chasing touchdowns on the gridiron, but instead, he is a full-time entrepreneur and a powerful motivational speaker, using his harrowing life experience to inspire others. His current focus is on training the next generation of football talent in his community and sharing his incredible journey from NFL star to shooting survivor, proving that the greatest comeback is always possible. Bailey's transition from professional athlete to public speaker and youth mentor is a testament to his indomitable spirit, especially following the life-altering shooting incident in 2015. His current work is deeply rooted in giving back, leveraging the knowledge and expertise he gained during his record-breaking college career at West Virginia and his time with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.

Stedman Bailey: Biography and Career Profile

Stedman Bailey’s career was marked by explosive talent and record-setting college performance before it was tragically cut short by violence. His profile is a blend of athletic brilliance and extraordinary personal fortitude.

• Full Name: Stedman D. Bailey
• Born: November 11, 1990, in Miramar, Florida
• College: West Virginia University (WVU)
• College Career Highlights:
  • First-team All-American (2012)
  • Holds the WVU single-season record for receiving yards (1,627 in 2012) and receptions (114 in 2012)
  • Formed a legendary receiving duo with teammate Tavon Austin, often referred to as "The Gold and Blue Boys."
  • Inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame (2022)
• NFL Draft: Selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd Round (92nd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
• NFL Career: St. Louis Rams / Los Angeles Rams (2013–2015)
• Career-Altering Event: Shot twice in the head while sitting in a car with family members in Miami Gardens, Florida, on November 24, 2015, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
• Post-NFL Role: Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Youth Football Trainer, Podcaster.

The Miraculous Recovery from the 2015 Shooting

The incident that ended Stedman Bailey's playing career became the catalyst for his powerful second chapter. On November 24, 2015, while sitting in a car in Miami Gardens, Florida, Bailey was shot twice in the head. The attack left him in critical but stable condition. The immediate prognosis was grim, but Bailey’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. He was walking and talking again just weeks after the shooting. The sheer will and physical resilience he showed during this time captivated the sports world and provided the foundation for his future career path. He was released from the Rams in 2016 following a non-football injury designation, officially ending his time in the league. Despite the medical clearance never coming for an NFL return, his journey back to health was a powerful demonstration of mental toughness. This experience became the core of his message: overcoming adversity is possible, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Stedman Bailey Now: Entrepreneur and Inspiring Speaker

Today, Stedman Bailey has successfully reinvented himself as a multifaceted professional focused on inspiring and developing others. His current career is a blend of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and public speaking, all driven by his unique life story.

The Motivational Speaker and Podcaster

Bailey has embraced the role of a motivational speaker, traveling and sharing his story of survival, recovery, and resilience. He speaks candidly about the night he was shot, the arduous recovery process, and the mental fortitude it took to reclaim his life. His message resonates deeply, particularly with young athletes and individuals facing significant personal setbacks. He has stated that he plans to use his platform to inspire people by sharing his story. In addition to his speaking engagements, Bailey co-hosts "The iinfluence Podcast Series (TIPS)," where he and Andrew McGee discuss life, business, and motivation, further solidifying his role as a thought leader and inspiration.

Full-Time Entrepreneur and Youth Mentor

Bailey is a full-time entrepreneur who remains deeply connected to the game of football. He uses his extensive football knowledge and expertise to train young athletes in his community who dream of playing at the college or professional level. This mentorship role allows him to directly impact the lives of aspiring players, providing them with the technical skills and the mental conditioning necessary for success. His commitment to his community and the development of youth talent is a central pillar of his post-NFL life. By focusing on training and mentorship, he is ensuring that his legacy extends far beyond his own playing statistics.

The West Virginia Connection

Following his NFL career, Bailey returned to his alma mater, West Virginia University (WVU), where he was a student assistant on Dana Holgorsen’s staff in 2016 while pursuing his degree. This period allowed him to transition back into the football environment on his own terms. While there were rumors and discussions about him potentially taking a full-time coaching role, such as the wide receivers coach position, his current path as a full-time entrepreneur and motivational speaker has taken precedence. His connection to the West Virginia Mountaineers remains strong, often appearing at events and being celebrated as one of the program’s all-time greats alongside his former teammates, including Geno Smith.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

Stedman Bailey's story is intertwined with several key entities that provide context and topical authority to his career:

• Tavon Austin: Bailey's partner-in-crime at West Virginia, they formed one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football history.
• Geno Smith: The quarterback who threw to both Bailey and Austin, leading a high-powered WVU offense.
• St. Louis Rams: The team that drafted him and where he began his NFL career.
• Los Angeles Rams: The organization he was with when the shooting occurred, as the team was preparing for its move back to Los Angeles.
• Dana Holgorsen: His college coach at WVU who offered him a role as a student assistant coach during his recovery.
• Miami Gardens: The location of the devastating 2015 shooting incident that changed his life.

Stedman Bailey’s current life is a powerful narrative of transformation. He has successfully pivoted from a high-profile, high-risk athletic career to a meaningful profession where he uses his incredible survival story to empower others. His work as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, training the next generation of football players, ensures that the impact of his life will be felt for years to come.