Omar Stoutmire Biography

Omar Array Stoutmire (born July 9, 1974 in Pensacola, Florida) is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He played college football at Fresno State and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft.

Early years

Stoutmire attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School and received Super Prep All-American honors. He accepted a scholarship to play at Fresno State University, where as a junior he set the Western Athletic Conference and the school record for tackles in a season (198). As a senior he was named to the All-WAC team, after registering 87 tackles. He ended his eligibility with the school record for career tackles (458) and most tackles in a single season (198).

In 2013, he was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Stoutmire was selected in the seventh round (224th overall pick) of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. As a rookie he played strong safety in the nickel defense and displayed excellent run-support skills. When Darren Woodson sustained a knee injury, he started against the Philadelphia Eagles and registered 13 tackles"?the first time a rookie started at safety for the Cowboys in a nonstrike game since Michael Downs in the 1981 season. He tied with Deion Sanders for the team lead in interceptions (2), forced 2 fumbles and was sixth on the team and seventh for NFL rookies in tackles with 76.

He earned the free safety starting position in 1998 (12 starts). He was waived on September 5, 1999, because of his weaknesses in pass coverage.

Cleveland Browns

Stoutmire was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. He wasn't activated for any games and was released on September 21, 1999.

New York Jets

On October 6, 1999, he signed with the New York Jets. Injuries forced him to start at free safety in 5 games, his highlight play was an interception return for a 67-yard touchdown. He was cut on August 26, 2000.

New York Giants

On August 30, 2000, he was signed by the New York Giants and played in Super Bowl XXXV. In 2001, he finished second on the team in special teams tackles (15). He played in the nickel defense and special teams until 2002, when he earned the starting free safety position. In 2003, he was third on the team in tackles with a career-high 109.

In 2004, he was replaced in the starting lineup with Brent Alexander, before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the season opener and being placed on the injured reserve list. He was waived on February 23, 2005.

Washington Redskins (first stint)

On July 29, 2005, he signed with the Washington Redskins. He played in 12 games including both playoff games. He made four tackles and a sack, in a playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

New Orleans Saints

On March 17, 2006, he moved onto the New Orleans Saints and earned the strong safety position (9 starts). He helped the team reach the playoffs by registering 56 tackles, 5 passes defensed and 2 interceptions in the regular season.

Washington Redskins (second stint)

On March 21, 2007, he returned to the Washington Redskins for his final NFL campaign. He played in 3 games after being on and off the roster during the season.

Personal life

He founded the North Texas Jackrabbits, a track and field program for youths. He currently coaches the Prestonwood Christian Academy track team.