Ravens receiver Donte’ Stallworth met with the media on Thursday to discuss the incident that resulted in his suspension from the NFL for all of the 2009 season -- and the death of 59-year-old Mario Reyes. The car that Stallworth was driving collided with Reyes in Miami. Stallworth was legally intoxicated at the time, and he pleaded guilty to felony DUI manslaughter.
Prior to that, he told Peter King of SI.com, “I drive that causeway all the time. I never see people running across it. [My reaction] was utter disbelief. . . . I have taken responsibility for the accident since it happened, and I will live with it for the rest of my life. I think about it every day. I think about his [15]-year-old daughter all the time. It’s something I’ll never escape.’'
Stallworth’s second chance in Baltimore was fueled by his relationship with receivers coach Jim Hostler, who worked with Stallworth in New Orleans, and with Eagles coach John Harbaugh, who worked with Stallworth in Philly.
The 2002 first-round pick reportedly can still run a 4.4, and he plans to make the most out of his second chance.
“I told John [that I’m not satisfied at all with my career, and I’m so focused on playing well for this team,’' Stallworth told King. “I told him my career, really, was a little disappointing to me. I haven’t really taken care of my body the way I should. I think I have a lot more left in my tank. I think I’ve got a good five years left, with the shape I’m in and the maintenance of my body over the past year. I really appreciate the chance I’m getting here. John told me, ‘You’ll have an opportunity to turn that around.’ That’s all I can ask for.’'
The concept of “turning that around” is a bit misplaced. As King points out, Stallworth has never had a 1,000-yard receiving season, and he’s never caught more than 70 passes in a single NFL campaign.
Still, Stallworth could be an asset in Baltimore. With Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason on the roster, Stallworth should enjoy plenty of single coverage.