At the University of Tennessee, Stewart had established himself as a powerful and versatile back, earning the nickname "Little Man." He brought this same level of play to the NFL, quickly becoming an integral part of the Jaguars' offense. Stewart's playing style was characterized by his tough running between the tackles, ability to break tackles, and his knack for finding the end zone.
During his time with the Jaguars, Stewart shared the backfield with another talented running back, Natrone Means, which limited his carries in the early years. Despite this, he managed to make a significant impact when given the opportunity. His breakout season came in 1999 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards, helping lead the Jaguars to the AFC Championship game. Stewart's performance that season solidified his reputation as a reliable starting running back in the league.
In 2000, Stewart signed with the Detroit Lions, where he continued to be a productive player. He had another 1,000-yard rushing season with the Lions and was known for his consistent play and leadership on and off the field. Stewart's tenure with the Lions was marked by his ability to be the workhorse of the offense, often carrying the ball 20 or more times per game.
Throughout his career, Stewart was respected for his professionalism and his approach to the game. He was not a flashy player, but rather one who was dependable and could be counted on to gain tough yards and score touchdowns, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Stewart's career statistics reflect his effectiveness as a running back, with a substantial number of rushing yards and a solid average per carry.
Stewart's career, while not adorned with numerous individual accolades or records, was characterized by his consistent contribution to his teams' offenses. He was a player who could be relied upon to perform week in and week out, and his presence in the backfield was a comforting one for his quarterbacks and coaches.
Injuries are an inevitable part of football, and like many players, Stewart's career was affected by them. He faced various injuries that limited his playing time and eventually led to the end of his professional career. Despite these setbacks, Stewart's time in the NFL was marked by moments of excellence and the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
After retiring from professional football, Stewart stayed connected to the sport, often engaging in coaching and mentoring roles. His legacy as a player is that of a hard-nosed, productive running back who contributed significantly to the teams he played for and left a positive mark on the NFL during his tenure.
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