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Tennessee football’s 10 RBs with greatest NFL careers

By Caleb Calhoun

BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 28: Running back Jamal Lewis #31 of the Baltimore Ravens on the sideline during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 28, 2003 at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 13-10 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 28: Running back Jamal Lewis #31 of the Baltimore Ravens on the sideline during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 28, 2003 at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens won 13-10 in overtime. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons /Allsport
Photo by Andy Lyons /Allsport /

Years in NFL: 9. 6. 839. Scouting Report. 1991-1994. James Stewart. player. Pick Analysis

Teams played for:

  • Jacksonville Jaguars, 1995-1999
  • Detroit Lions, 2000-2003

As one of three running backs to succeed the run of Reggie Cobb, Chuck Webb and Tony Thompson beginning in 1991, James “Little Man” Stewart became a reliable four-year back for Tennessee football. In his final season, he went over 1,000 yards and helped bring on a young guy named Peyton Manning.

Stewart finished his career on Rocky Top as the school’s all-time leading rusher at the time with 2,890 yards. He also had 3,353 yards from scrimmage and 39 total touchdowns despite splitting time all four years there. Still, the 6’1″ 224-pound back’s success was more than enough to be taken in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars.

Immediately, Stewart became heavily utilized. He was a big reason that the franchise under Tom Coughlin made four straight playoffs after its first year, including two AFC Championships and the best record in the league in 1999, going 14-2. Stewart was the leading rusher on that team, by the way, and he had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns.

After that year, Stewart went to the Detroit Lions and had the most productive year of his career in 2000, rushing for 1,184 yards, gaining 1,471 yards from scrimmage and scoring 11 total touchdowns. In 2002, he went over 1,000 yards from scrimmage again.

Late in 2002, Buffalo Bills safety Coy Williams injured Stewart’s shoulder, effectively ending his career, and he said then Bills-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the man behind bountygate with the New Orleans Saints, praised him for it. Despite that scandal, Stewart still finished his career with 5,841 rushing yards, 7,556 yards from scrimmage and 57 total touchdowns.

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