Buster Stanley

Sylvester "Buster" Stanley Jr. (born November 30, 1970) is an American former professional football player. Stanley played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1990 to 1993 and was the most valuable player (MVP) of their 1993 team. He played professionally for the New England Patriots, Rhein Fire (1996–1997) and Grand Rapids Rampage (1999–2000).

Early life Stanley was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. His father, Sylvester Stanley Sr., worked at a General Motors plant in Youngstown. His mother, Theodora, was a licensed practical nurse. He played at the defensive tackle and middle guard positions for the Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1990 to 1993. After a lackluster defensive performance against Houston in 1993, Stanley called a defensive team meeting. Stanley noted, "We had a little meeting (last) Sunday — just the (defensive) players and we got everything out and came out with a better attitude this week. We wanted to come out and play 'Michigan defense.'" The following week against Iowa, Stanley "led an inspired effort by the Wolverines defensive front", allowing only 48 yards on the ground. Stanley had 10 tackles in the game, including three for losses and two quarterback sacks. He also won the Dick Katcher award in 1993 as the team's outstanding defensive lineman or outside linebacker. Stanley graduated from the University of Michigan in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in kinesiology. In 1996 and 1997, he played for the Rhein Fire in the World League of American Football. He was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Michigan from 1997 to 1999. He played for the Grand Rapids Rampage in the Arena Football League from 1999 to 2000.