# Ed Stansbury

Edmund Elisala (Ieremia) Stansbury (born May 3, 1979) is an American former professional football fullback in the National Football League (NFL), and a prominent sports figure in El Paso, Texas. Stansbury had a standout athletic career at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels and has since made significant contributions to his community as an ambassador for sports.

## Early life

Stansbury attended Irvin High School in El Paso, Texas, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. He was a blue-chip, five-star recruit as a quarterback and was widely regarded as one of the top high school football players in the country. In addition to his football success, Stansbury was an All-American discus thrower and a two-time Texas state champion in the event. Stansbury holds the 5th longest highschool throw in Texas State History in the discus at 206 ft. His combination of athleticism and leadership on the field earned him scholarships to some of the nation’s top collegiate programs before committing to UCLA.

## College career

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Stansbury traveled to all games as a freshman and backup quarterback to Cade McNown. As a Junior, Stansbury transitioned to fullback and became a critical part of the Bruins’ offense. He was a two-year starter, serving as a key blocker for All-American running back Deshaun Foster and contributing as a short-yardage rusher and receiver.
One of his most memorable moments came during the 2000 season, when he scored the game-winning touchdown against the University of Michigan at the Rose Bowl Stadium, a play that is still celebrated among Bruins fans. Stansbury’s performance at UCLA showcased his versatility and toughness, making him a valuable asset for professional scouts.
In addition to football, Stansbury competed for the UCLA Track and Field Team from 1997 to 1999, specializing in the discus, shot put, and javelin. He placed 4th in the Pac-10 Championships in the discus in 1999 and was a member of the Pac-10 Championship team in 1998.

## Professional career

After going undrafted in the 2002 NFL draft, Stansbury signed with the Houston Texans during their inaugural season. He spent the year contributing to the team as a fullback and on special teams. In 2003, he signed a free-agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks before being allocated to NFL Europe in 2004.
With the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe, Stansbury was the starting fullback for a team that won the World Bowl XII Championship. His ability to block, run, and catch passes out of the backfield made him a vital part of the Thunder’s offense during their championship run. This success capped off a professional football career that spanned multiple teams and leagues.

## Post-football career

Following his retirement from professional football, Stansbury returned to his hometown of El Paso, where he has become a highly respected figure in sports media and community development. In 2015, he was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame in the Living Athlete category.
Stansbury has served as a sports commentator for KTSM 9 (NBC Affiliate)'s Overtime program for nine seasons and is the co-host of the Coldest Zone Podcast, which ranks in the top 5% globally for downloads. The podcast focuses on high school and college football in El Paso and features in-depth analysis and interviews with prominent figures in sports.
From 2015 to 2023, Stansbury was the Director of Operations for the Greater El Paso Football Showcase, an annual event highlighting the best high school football talent in the region. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Sun Bowl Association, helping to promote one of the nation’s longest-running college football bowl games.
In 2024, Stansbury debuted as the Color Commentator for UTEP football on ESPN+ during Conference USA broadcasts, working alongside Andy Morgan on play-by-play.

## Personal life

In 2023, his son West became the first eighth grader in El Paso to receive a Division 1 football scholarship offer from UTEP. The Stansbury family continues to play a significant role in the athletic and cultural fabric of the El Paso community.