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Spotlight on Former Athlete: Brandon Stokley Football 1995-98Stokley was never going to be out-worked
By Bruce Brown
Written for Athletic Network
February featured an abundance of retrospectives on the Beatles’ arrival in America 50 years ago, and the seismic impact that would have on the world.
With apologies to Paul and John, Brandon Stokley knows all about The Long and Winding Road.
Stokley recently retired from the NFL after 15 seasons spent with five different teams, playing for two of those franchises twice each.
Still the all-time Ragin’ Cajun leader in receptions (241), yards (3,702) and receiving touchdowns (25), compiled at then-USL from 1995-98, Stokley made himself into the best slot receiver in football.
Of his 397 NFL catches for 5,339 yards and 39 touchdowns, 284 – 71.5 percent – resulted in first downs. With superb hands, great spacial sense and trademark fearlessness, Stokley was money in the bank.
He began and ended his career with the Baltimore Ravens, catching a 38-yard touchdown pass from Trent Dilfer to spark a 34-7 Super Bowl win over the New York Giants to cap his second year.
There was plenty of drama in between, including another Super Bowl ring (Colts, 2006) and a series of injuries that factored in to his decision to move on.
“It was one of those things,” Stokley said. “It was something that I had thought about for a while. I knew it was something that would happen quickly. The way my body felt, it was harder to come back (from injuries). It wasn’t fun anymore.
“I have peace of mind. I gave it all I had. I wanted to know I’d done all I could.”
Stokley, the son of former Cajun coach Nelson Stokley, led the state in receiving as a Comeaux High senior in 1993 with 80 catches for 946 yards – including 12 for 239 and two scores against Sulphur in his finale.
But he was under-sized and under-valued, signed with the Cajuns and redshirted in 1994. Pairing with Jake Delhomme the next year, Stokley set an NCAA freshman record with 1,121 yards on 75 catches with 9 scores. He came back with 81 receptions for 1,160 yards and 7 touchdowns in 1996.
A knee injury curtailed his 1997 campaign with just 20 grabs, but Stokley finished with a flourish with 65-for-1,173 and 8 scores as a senior. That included a 7-181-3 effort at Tulane, competing despite illness and a heavy heart over the death of his mother Jane earlier that week.
That mental toughness would become a Stokley trademark.
“My drive was my love to compete,” he said. “I always wanted to be the best. I put everything into it. I was not going to be out-worked. That’s what drove me. That pride was what I made my career on.”
Special moments
The Super Bowl touchdown catch was a natural choice for a career highlight, but there were others.
Stokley joined the Indianapolis Colts, and good friend Peyton Manning, in 2003. In 2004, he had his best statistical season with 68 catches for 1,077 yards and 10 scores, including Manning’s 49th TD pass (then a record).
He played for Denver from 2007-09, opening the 2009 season with a dramatic tip-drill 87-yard score to beat the Bengals on the road. Adding flair to the moment, Stokley ran parallel to the goal line for a few strides to take a few seconds off of the clock.
With the Seahawks and Pete Carroll in 2010, Stokley’s 45-yard touchdown catch helped knock off Super Bowl champion New Orleans 41-36.
After a torn quadriceps muscle ruined a season with the Giants, Stokley rejoined Denver and new arrival Manning in 2012. It was like they’d never parted as Stokley had 45 catches for 5 scores including an acrobatic 21-yarder in a 35-24 comeback victory at San Diego.
Then in a frigid playoff upset loss to the Ravens, Stokley made a carbon copy, leaping, tip-toe touchdown reception – fittingly, the final score of his career.
“The Super Bowl catch was great,” he said. “Just to be able to get there, and then have an impact.
“All 10 touchdowns from Peyton in 2004 were big, and the touchdown at Cincinnati was fun.
“The one against San Diego was a special touchdown. We were down 24-0 at half but came back and took the lead (28-24) on that score. That was a pretty clutch catch at an important time in the game.”
Despite the playoff loss, 2012 was enjoyable for Stokley.
“That was a special year, especially the way 2011 ended,” he said. “I was able to play with Peyton again. That was probably my favorite season.”
Manning had helped develop Stokley as the ultimate zone-busting receiver during their days with the Colts.
“It all started for me in Indianapolis,” Stokley said. “I was able to see what Peyton wanted for me, that there was a spot for a slot receiver that the quarterback and team can count on.
“I tried to do it really well. With Peyton, if you want to get the ball, you have to pay attention to detail, do it right and make plays.
“Playing wide receiver came naturally to me. I always felt I was fast enough. I was quick; from 0-to-10 yards, I could run with anybody. If they press me, they can’t get their hands on me.”
But the Broncos signed Wes Welker – the next-generation Stokley – in 2013, so the ex-Cajun played his final year (with more injuries) with the Ravens before heading back home to Denver, wife Lana and their two sons.
Future plans
The Stokleys had found a home in Denver during his first stint with the Broncos, and the family stayed in place for Stokley’s gypsy-like seasons with Seattle, the Giants and Ravens.
“That was another factor,” Stokley said. “It was hard to continue. Lana (former UL softball star Lana Jimenez) always said she never wanted to be the reason I retired. I had to go out on my own terms. She’s been so great through the whole process.”
Stokley spent 4 days in New York City covering the Super Bowl between two of his former teams for a local TV station, and enjoyed the experience, but admitted he’s not sure where he will re-direct his legendary competitive drive in retirement.
“That’s the hard part, something a lot of athletes have trouble with,” he said. “I hope (playing) golf helps. I love being around the kids. For now, I’m focused on being a great dad.”
He hopes that’s a long-range endeavor. Nelson Stokley died at age 66 of Alzheimer’s disease complications, and Brandon is well aware of studies about the impact of concussions in later life for NFL players.
“I feel fine right now,” Stokley said. “I’ve been tested in the last couple of months. I wouldn’t’ trade my 15 years in the NFL for anything. I’ve probably had more concussions than I’d like.
“In 20 years, I just hope I’m alive. I try to live in the moment.” Spatial Notes on Brandon by Bruce: Brandon Stokley in NFL * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Click here for Brandon’s Athletic Network Profile.
Click here for the video Tribute to Brandon Stokley by the Denver Broncos.
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Anyone with information, materials, pictures, memorabilia, etc., of the university’s former athletic program participants is requested to contact Ed Dugas at athleticnetwork@louisiana.edu Thank you.
The Photo Gallery Link located on the left side of the home page at www.athleticnetwork.net contains over 12,000 pictures of former and current athletes and support groups. Just click on photo gallery and when the menu appears, click on the sport or support group you wish to view. The years of pictures posted for that team or group will appear and you may click on the year you wish to view. One click on a thumbnail picture or narrative and it is enlarged; a click on the enlarged photo and it reverts back to the thumbnail. The Athletic Network seeks to post pictures of each team and support group for each year they represented the university. The stories of the previous honorees featured in the Spotlight on Former Athletes have been moved from the News Page to the Archived News Page. Please click on the title of any current news story, then the Archived News link in the upper left to go to the Archived News Calendar. The Spotlight on Former Athletes announcement has also been placed in the profile of each honoree, excluding the pictures. 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
Ed Dugas served as feature writer. January – Tim Thompson Men’s Basketball 1957-61. February – Gene Bacque Baseball 1956 & 57. March – Dr. Louis Bowers – Tennis 1956-58, Track 1955, Coaches 1964-66. April – Dr. Carter Lomax, Jr. Tennis 1974-76. May – Johnny Morris, Jr. Football 1927-29,Men’s Basketball 1927-30,Track & Field 1928-30, Golf 1927-28, Coaches 1947-49 . June – S.L.I.I. Athletic Pioneers I July – S.L.I.I. Athletic Pioneers II August – 1912 – A Special Year – First L’Acadien September – Glenn Davis Lafleur Football 1966-69 October – Bill Bass – Boxing 1938 & 39, Football 1938-40, Coach 1971-75 & 1983 November – Tom Nolan – Cross Country & Track & Field 1971-76, Coaches 1978-83 December – Military Personnel – Military Page posted 2008 2007 Ed Dugas served as the initial feature writer and continued until Bruce Brown began writing in 2010. Peace, Ed Dugas Ed Dugas, Research Coordinator (337)482-0999
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