USA Football

As a running back and wide receiver for Middle Tennessee State and three NFL teams (1987-2000), Dwight Stone protected the football. As a police officer in Charlotte, N.C., he’s protecting his community. And football helped him get there.

“I think that football prepared me mentally for this job,” says Stone, who played for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-94), Carolina Panthers (1995-98) and New York Jets (1999-2000).  “Having played under demanding coaches such as Dom Capers, Bill Cowher, Chuck Noll and Bill Parcells, I understood how to perform at a high level under pressure,” he says. “And the demands of this job require the same focus and concentration because mistakes can result in someone getting injured or losing their life.

“The values of cooperation, accountability and dependability learned through football prepared me for joining the police force.”

A native of Florala, Ala., located just above the Florida panhandle, Stone has served Charlotte-Mecklenburg County as a police officer for five years. Internships with the F.B.I. during his playing days with the Steelers and Panthers readied him for his second career.

His police work covers metro Charlotte. He also assists in the city’s Counter Terrorist Emergency Unit.  However, the majority of his day is spent working as a school resource officer, serving a 1,300-member student body and the campus’ faculty and staff.

Growing up in an area that dealt with drug abuse and illegal activity inspired Stone to make a positive difference as an adult.

“I promised myself that if I ever got the opportunity to become a role model, I would encourage, counsel and inspire young people,” he says.  “Being involved in law enforcement gives me a perfect opportunity to better a community.”

A veteran of 216 NFL games, Stone also provides leadership as part of a mentoring program he established which counsels students with behavioral problems, hoping to inspire change in them through positive interactions.

“I was fortunate to have a 14-year pro career because of hard work, dedication and commitment,” says Stone. “I learned those values back when I was a youth football player and I’ve applied those principles in all aspects of my life.

“Having experienced success on all levels of football, I know that all things are possible if you are willing to put in the time and work. I encourage the young people that I encounter on a daily basis to set high goals and work hard to attain them.”