When Darian Stewart looks into the eyes of some of young people attending his summer camp, he can talk with experience about overcoming long odds.
Stewart transformed from undrafted after leaving South Carolina in 2010 to leading the Denver Broncos to victory over the Carolina Panthers 24-10 on Feb. 7, 2016, in Super Bowl 50. The following season, the NFL named Stewart to the 2017 Pro Bowl.
Today, the 29-year-old NFL free safety conducted his fifth annual Stewart Standouts Youth Football and Cheer Camp at Huntsville's Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville for 200 local boys ages 7-17.
Stewart is entering his fourth season with the Broncos after playing four seasons with the St. Louis Rams (2010-13) and one season with the Baltimore Ravens (2014).
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Stewart said he never had the opportunity to attend a summer camp when he was young and has a passion for inspiring young people.
"I never participated in a camp growing up, so that's why it's so important for me to do this," Stewart said. "I love to put a smile on a kid's face. Hosting this camp puts things in perspective for me. I want them to know they can be successful too. The camp is free and all the kids need to do is go online to register."
The St. Louis Rams signed Stewart to a two-year, $737,500 free-agent contract in 2010. His hard work paid off six years later after the Broncos signed Stewart to a 4-year, $28 million contract extension.
Before his NFL career started, Stewart played high school football at Lee-Huntsville. He received all-city and all-metro honors in 2004 and 2005 and was named 5A Back of the Year finalist in 2005, playing many games at Milton Frank Stadium.
Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, Alabama and Auburn didn't offer a scholarship. But Steve Spurrier, then in his second year with South Carolina, offerred a scholarship and Stewart signed in 2006. A three-year starter for the Gamecocks, he had 19 tackles for loss and 20 pass breakups.
Stewart and his wife, Whitley, added an new event this year by establishing the inaugural Stewart Standouts Education Gala, which was held Friday at the Huntsville Roundhouse. The Gala raises scholarship funds for students who will receive a $3,000 scholarship to pursue their college education in the STEM field, referring to science, technology, engineering or medical training.
Proceeds from the Gala will provide scholarships to Jaquavian Alexander of New Century Technology High School, Sparkman's Derienne Black, and Athens' Charles Harris.
Before the camp, Stewart talked with AL.com about his journey from Lee-Huntsville to the Super Bowl:
Q: Why do you and your wife believe in investing in young people in North Alabama?
Stewart: "It's in my heart to do this for the kids. We started our foundation, the Stewart Standouts Foundation Inc., in 2014 to support and encourage the youth with events and scholarships for academic and athletic pursuits.
"Many of our local kids can't afford to attend these events, so we wanted to provide access to the camp and begin funding academic scholarships for local math and science students. Athletics are great, but we want to recognize achievement in the classroom too. We do this for the kids and try to show them they are appreciated. To be successful in sports and life, you need to start early and work on fundamentals."
Q: Talk about one of the driving forces in your life, your mother, Janice.
Stewart: "Man, that's my girl, she raised us by herself. She's always been there us and busted her tail so we could make a living. I didn't want that to go unrecognized. Being the youngest of four kids, I tried to make my mother happy. That drove me to have a successful career.
"It's been a rocky road and a long journey. Once I started at Lee, I wanted to do great things, I played three sports -- football, basketball and track -- and excelled in all three (then Memphis basketball coach John Calipari, offered Stewart a basketball scholarship). I didn't want to go to school on a full scholarship and then come home and not do something with my life."
Q: How did going undrafted motivate you to succeed in the NFL?
Stewart: "I stayed hungry and focused on my goals. You can't have any mental errors. That was one of the things that stuck with me when I got to St. Louis. I stayed in my playbook, I prayed up and I wanted to be the best safety I could be."
Q: How did winning the Super Bowl change your life?
Stewart: "I had never won a championship game in my entire career, including the Pop Warner league. Playing on the biggest stage in football was huge. There's nothing like it. I wish everyone who played the game could experience it once. It's a life-changing event."
Q: Why did you choose to go to South Carolina instead of Alabama or Auburn?
Stewart. "They (Alabama and Auburn) were tripping and going for other out-of-state prospects at that time. They had a gem right in their backyard. I may have gone to Auburn over Alabama, but Auburn never offered me. Mike Shula was the head coach at Alabama and he never offered me either.
"Ironically, Shula was the offensive coordinator for Carolina in the Super Bowl and that motivated me to make an impact in the game (Stewart had three tackles, a sack, two pass breakups and a fumble recovery). I wanted to let him (Shula) know that I was the one he gave up on earlier. I didn't talk to him after the game because we were celebrating on the field."
"I enjoyed playing for Coach Spurrier. We turned that South Carolina program around."
Q: The Broncos finished 5-11 last season, but won the Super Bowl two years ago. One constant for the Broncos have been a top-four pass defense for the past three years (No. 4 in 2017, No. 1 in 2016 and 2015). How does the team rebound and get back to the Super Bowl this season?
Stewart: "It all starts at quarterback and the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. When you have an effective quarterback, it makes all the difference. When you add the players that we drafted, it will help us get back to where we should be. The management did a great job of bringing in a quality quarterback, Case Keenum. I like our chances again this year. I believe we can be a top-four defense again."
Q: How do you address the fear of concussions and CTE with young people in your camp?
Stewart: "For me, it's risk versus reward. Football was something I used to change my family's life. I love playing the game. I don't have any regrets about playing the game. I know some of the young people now are concerned about concussions, CTE and other issues. Injuries are part of the game, but if you use the proper tackling technique, it will minimize the risk of injury. I've only had two concussions in my career."
- Brett Beaird, AL.com correspondent