Fansided

Stedman Bailey returns to West Virginia while hoping for NFL return after shooting

By Jason Parker

Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) warms up before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the New York Giants at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) warms up before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the New York Giants at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Just eight months after being shot in the head, Stedman Bailey is returning to his alma mater, West Virginia, while working toward a NFL return.

Eight months ago, Stedman Bailey went through one of the scariest things that any person can go have happen to them, as he was the victim of a shooting in the streets of Miami that sent him to the hospital in critical condition with people wondering if he would live, much less ever play football again.

While his career is still on hold (especially after the Los Angeles Rams waived him recently with the non-football injury), Bailey is getting back into the football world at his college home.

The former star wide receiver at West Virginia will return to the school as a graduate assistant, enrolling back into classes to receive his degree, according to NBC Sports College Football Talk:

"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 34 college games played, Bailey had 41 touchdowns for what is still the school’s all time record. As a junior, he finished with a school-record tying 114 catches for a school-record 1,622 yards and 25 touchdowns, so he knows what he will be talking about with the young receivers on the Mountaineers roster.

The Rams released a statement saying they wish Stedman Bailey the best of luck with this next step and in his mission to get back to the NFL.

For more NCAA Football news, check out our NCAA Football hub page.

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