Robert Stewart

Robert Stewart (April 12, 1967 – June 4, 2022) was an American professional football lineman who played eleven seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL) with the Charlotte Rage, New Jersey Red Dogs, New York Dragons, Arizona Rattlers, and Carolina Cobras. He played college football at the University of Alabama, where he spent time at three different positions and was named an Associated Press second-team All-American. As a senior, Stewart was named a permanent team captain by the Alabama Crimson Tide: his hand and shoe prints are on the Walk of Fame at Denny Chimes tower. He was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the eighth round of the 1992 NFL draft but was released before the regular season. Stewart began his AFL career in 1994, earning first-team All-Arena honors as a rookie. He played in the AFL from 1994 to 2004, earning All-Arena honors six times and winning the Lineman of the Year award in 1999. He also set an AFL single-game record with four sacks in 2001.

Early life Robert Stewart was born on April 12, 1967, in Ashford, Alabama. Stewart led the state in rushing yards his junior year with 2,155. Stewart graduated from high school in 1986. He was moved to his high school position of fullback in 1988. The car's sunroof had been damaged and a jacket and sweatshirt were stolen. On May 30, 1989, he pleaded guilty to automobile burglary and was given a year's suspended sentence, two years of probation, and 60 hours of community service. He was also named a first-team All-American by United Press International.

Overall, he was a letterman in 1987, 1988, 1990, and 1991. He majored in sport fitness management at Alabama. Stewart was waived by the Saints on August 25, 1992.

On April 2, 1993, it was reported that Stewart had been signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was released on June 18, 1993. Stewart then started working at a steel mill in Northport, Alabama, in shipping and receiving when he received a phone call about arena football.

Charlotte Rage Stewart signed with the Charlotte Rage of the Arena Football League (AFL) for the 1994 season. He was an offensive lineman/defensive lineman during his time in the AFL as the league played under ironman rules. During his first game of arena football, Stewart knocked Tampa Bay Storm quarterback Jay Gruden, who had thrown five touchdowns, out of the game late in the fourth quarter. Stewart played in all 14 games for the Rage during the 1994 season, recording 13 solo tackles, two assisted tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup. Stewart was named first-team All-Arena for his performance during the 1994 season.

Stewart appeared in all 12 games for Charlotte for the second consecutive year in 1995, totaling seven solo tackles, two assisted tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Stewart earned second-team All-Arena honors.

New Jersey Red Dogs Stewart was selected by the New Jersey Red Dogs in the tenth round, with the 30th overall pick, of the 1997 AFL expansion draft. On May 23, 1997, against the New York CityHawks, Stewart blocked a 60-yard field goal attempt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. New Jersey won 59–27. Stewart earned second-team All-Arena honors once again. Stewart garnered AFL Lineman of the Year and first-team All-Arena honors for his performance during the 1999 season.

After missing the playoffs for the first time in three years, the Red Dogs revamped their team for the 2000 season. New Jersey signed former NFL quarterback Tommy Maddox and a slew of AFL rookies, with Stewart stating "The whole team is new players or rookies. That's what I like. It's going to be a shock to [the league]." He played in all 14 of the games that year, posting seven solo tackles, nine assisted tackles, four sacks, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup.

New York Dragons Stewart signed with the AFL's New York Dragons on November 17, 2000. In regards to his decision to leave the Red Dogs, Stewart said "I wanted to get out of a situation that was on the verge of going down and I wanted to put myself in the best position to win a championship." He was named the AFL Ironman of the Week.

The next year, Stewart was placed on the refused to report list on March 24, 2002.

Later career Stewart joined the Colorado Crush of the AFL for the 2003 season. He was placed on the refused to report list on January 8, activated the next day, signed on January 17, and released on January 24. He was then signed by the Arizona Rattlers on January 31, 2003, a few days before the start of the 2003 AFL season. He was placed on injured reserve on March 7 and activated on March 23. He played in six games, starting four, for Carolina during the 2003 season, recording four solo tackles, three assisted tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one pass breakup.

Personal life After his football career, Stewart worked as a school security officer.