Among all the endearing stories in sports this year, one of its most heartfelt ones comes from former Los Angeles Rams wideout Stedman Bailey.
Nine months ago, Bailey was shot twice in the head while sitting in his car leaving him and three other family members in critical condition.
Now he has announced he will to return to West Virginia University, where he will join the coaching staff and enroll as a full-time student according to Mike Montoro of West Virginia Mountaineers:
“First of all, I would like to thank the Los Angeles Rams organization, my teammates, coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Les Snead and the ownership for the way they have taken care of me and my family since they drafted me. They’re a first-class organization and made me feel like part of the family, especially during the past few months which have been a tough time,” Bailey said. “Even though my playing career isn’t over yet, this gives me more time to heal so I can make a return. However
Despite making great strides in the healing process, the 25-year-old was not cleared to return to playing football. However, Bailey is confident in a return to the gridiron:
“Even though my playing career isn’t over yet, this gives me more time to heal so I can make a return. However, it is important to me to finish my degree. I loved my time as a mountaineer football player and I look forward to working with coach Holgorsen and the Mountaineer football program.”
Bailey enjoyed a stellar career at WVU, amassing over 3,000 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns and will certainly have plenty to offer young Mountaineers. Now, he returns to finish his bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies.
