Stedman Bailey doesn't want a bullet in the head to keep him off the field any longer.
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Bailey, who was drafted in 2013 and played three seasons for the St. Louis Rams, was shot last November in Miami Gardens, Florida. He almost died as a result of the shooting but has recovered from a surgery that inserted several plates into his head.
Fox Sports reports that Bailey has recovered extremely well and has plans to return to the league. He's back at his alma mater, West Virginia, as a student assistant and is also pursuing a degree in communications, and says he feels like he is ready play in the NFL now.
"I feel like I could line up and compete right now, but the doctors and specialists who did the surgery on my head said that I need at least a full year to heal up before they can re-evaluate because contact wouldn't be too good," Bailey said. "After November, I'll start to re-evaluate again."
Bailey was an All-American for the Mountaineers in 2012 after he caught 114 passes for 1,622 yards. He had 843 receiving yards in his first three seasons with St. Louis.
West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard said Bailey has been a big addition to the coaching staff because the current receiving corps at the university respect his experience and listen to his advice.
Though Bailey hopes to add to his experience, he already has post-football plans. He wants to be a motivational speaker, inspiring people with the story of his recovery.
"Had the bullet hit a different spot in my head, it could've been a much worse result," he said. "I think about that all the time. I am very blessed. A part of my purpose of my life is to speak out and reach people to push through and overcome adversity."
[h/t Fox Sports]
