Former West Virginia wide receiver Stedman Bailey was shot in the head on Nov. 24, 2015. At the time, the Rams (then in St. Louis and then Bailey's employer) announced that Bailey was in "critical, but stable, condition."
The former All-American caught 59 passes for 843 yards and two touchdowns during his three-year professional career and his efforts to return to the field, including running routes just three months after being shot, were well documented. Now Bailey is back in Morgantown for the 2016 season, helping out as a student assistant on Dana Holgorsen's staff.
"I know Stedman is very disappointed that he isn't able to play football at this time. However, I am glad that he is going to turn an unfortunate situation into a positive one by coming back to WVU as a student assistant coach and more importantly finishing his degree," Holgorsen said Sunday. "He was an important part of our football program as a player, and I look forward to him being with us once again. Like we say here - once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer."
Rams coach Jeff Fisher "couldn't be happier" for Bailey, who is using this setback as an opportunity to finish his degree at WVU. As for Bailey, the talented wideout says his playing career isn't over.
"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."
In three years with the Mountaineers, Bailey set a school record with 41 receiving touchdowns. So when he's running the sidelines this fall as a coach for the Mountaineers don't be surprised if instincts kick in and Bailey is tempted to make a play on a jump ball.
