World News – AU – Super Bowl 50 Champion Darian Stewart Announces NFL Resignation

Former Broncos security, who played four seasons in Denver, was a key member of the no-fly zone secondary school and made a Pro Bowl during his 10-year NFL career before announcing his retirement Thursday.

« Today I officially announce my resignation, » Stewart told the Denver media. « I am happy. I’m ready. This was the perfect time with COVID. I am ready for the next trip. « 

Stewart was known for his tough hitting style as a safety, and he also turned out to be a talented ball hawk for Denver. In his 61 games as Bronco, Stewart collected a total of 254 tackles, including seven tackles against loss, 24 pass abandonments, nine interceptions, two forced fumbling, four fumbling restorations, a sack and five quarterback hits.

« I always wanted them to feel me when I got into a tackle, » Stewart said. « I’ve always tried to achieve great success. « 

The former South Carolina star entered the league as a vacant free agent and spent his first four seasons in St.. . Louis with the Rams a season ago with Baltimore.

He came to Denver in 2015 as a free agent and signed to fill the final open entry spot in secondary school as part of a talented group that included three pro bowlers in Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. , were represented. and T. J. . station.

Almost immediately, Stewart also proved himself to be a capable game changer when he sealed victory for the Broncos at the 2015 season opener when he intercepted a pass in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. By the end of the season, Stewart had broken 10 passes, totaling second place on the team.

« I knew what I was getting myself into and I knew I could deliver, » said Stewart. « [Former head coach] coach [Gary] Kubiak knew it. He trusted me. He knew what I was capable of. He worked by my side in Baltimore last year. … Having [ex-DC] Wade Phillips’ defense allowed me to play that much faster and make games out of game one. « 

During the Broncos’ stellar postseason, battling the Steelers, Patriots and Panthers – three of the top four teams in the league to score points that year – Stewart was indispensable. He picked up a pass from Tom Brady in the AFC Championship and in the Super Bowl he had a sack, three tackles, a quarterback hit, two pass separations and forced fumble.

In the next three years, the quietly spoken security continued to play at a high level.

In the year after Super Bowl 50, Stewart helped Denver’s « no-fly zone » maintain its leadership position in pass defense. In a Pro Bowl campaign, he picked up three passes, resolved a total of six, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, made a total of 68 tackles, including two across the border, and had two quarterback hits. This season featured probably the best game of his career, a game of the 10th. Week against Drew Brees and the Saints. Stewart intercepted two passes and retrieved one fumble, an accomplishment that made him the first Bronco since Deltha O’Neal in 2001, finishing a game with three takeaways.

In his last two seasons with the Broncos in 2017 and 2018, Stewart had a total of five interceptions, recovered a fumble and had a sack.

While in Denver, Stewart also founded the Stewart Standouts Foundation Inc. . , a non-profit organization focused on helping disadvantaged children pursue academic and athletic goals.

He is now the second member of the « No-Fly Zone » to announce his retirement from the NFL in recent months, joining Talib, who made his announcement in September.

« Make sure you maximize the moment you get an opportunity, » Stewart said on his Instagram post, announcing his decision. « Nothing is ever given and everything is always earned. I hang up my cleats and take off my helmet. Go to the next chapter. « 

During Darian Stewart’s four years with the Broncos, his punchy style and ability to make game-changing games helped create the « No-Fly Zone ».

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) intercepts a pass destined for the tight end of Baltimore Ravens Crockett Gillmore (80) in the end zone. In the fourth quarter, there are 36 seconds remaining in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, Jan.. September, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) intercepts a pass for Crockett Gillmore (80) of Baltimore Ravens in the end zone during action in the fourth quarter of the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, on 13th. September is intended. 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates his fourth quarter interception and seals a win over the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, on Aug.. September 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) restores a Kansas City Chiefs to Jamaal Charles (25) during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, on 17th. September 2015 fumbled back. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates his recovery from a Kansas City chief, Jamaal Charles (25) in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on Jan.. Fumbled against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of September, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

The Denver Broncos Secondary takes over the field prior to action against the Minnesota Vikings in an NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, Jan.. October 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) attacks Oakland Raiders full-back Marcel Reece (45) at a 3-yard reception during action in 2. Quarter in the NFL game at O.. Co-Coliseum in Oakland, CA.11. October 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) and Danny Trevathan (59) tackle Indianapolis Colts Frank Gore (23) during the second quarter in the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on March 8th. Race back on a 2 yard carry November, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Rob Gronkowski, 87, of the New England Patriots is offended by Darian Stewart, 26, of the Denver Broncos on a 3 yard reception during action in the second quarter of the NFL game in Denver, CO. 29. November 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) attacks Oakland Raiders Latavius ​​Murray (28) during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, at 13th. Run back December 2015.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) meets Cincinnati Bengals, Giovani Bernard (25) during the third quarter of an NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, on Jan.. December 2015 runs back with no profit. Photo by Ben Hays.

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart, 26, makes the AFC Divisional Playoffs during first quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, on Jan.. January 2015 stop. Photo by Ben Hays.

Denver Broncos defender Darian Stewart (26) reacts after hitting the ball during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Mile High in Denver, CO on Jan.. January 2016 intercpeed.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart and Peyton Manning snap a photo together during Media Night at the SAP Center in Santa Clara, California. for SuperBowl 50 1. February 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos Free Safety Darian Stewart (26) gestures after posing for team photos before an NFL soccer ball runs through practice in Santa Clara, California. , Saturday, February. 6, 2016. (AP Photo / Jeff Chiu)

Denver Broncos Safety Darian Stewart, 26, looks for an incomplete passport call during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 50 soccer game on Sunday, February. 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, California. (AP Photo / Matt York)

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) sacked Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, Jan.. February 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos Free Safety Darian Stewart (26) hits a ball away for the close end of Carolina Panthers Greg Olsen (88) during Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan.. February 2016, in Santa Clara, CA.. . The Broncos won 28-10. (Tom Hauck via AP)

Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) leaves the field after the Super Bowl 50 championship game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, November 7th. February 2016 in Santa Clara, California. The Broncos won the game 24-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)

Darian Stewart celebrates at a rally after a parade through downtown on Tuesday, February. 9. 2016 in Denver. Fans flocked to downtown Denver to greet the Broncos for the team’s victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. (AP Photo / David Zalubowski)

Darian Stewart and his wife Whitley during the ring ceremony on the Sports Authority field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. June 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

T. . J. . Ward, David Bruton and Darian Stewart during the ring ceremony on the Sports Authority field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. June 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart and teammates during the ring ceremony on the Sports Authority field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. June 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos defenders Darian Stewart (26) and Aqib Talib (21) will defend themselves against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter in an NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado. 8th. September 2016.

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) steps onto the field during the introduction of the players before the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado. 18th. September 2016.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) action against the Houston Texans during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. October 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart during pre-game action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. October 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) carries the ball after an interception during third quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. October 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates after an interception during third quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, on Jan.. October 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) during fourth quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, Jan.. October 2016.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) celebrates his first of three interceptions in the NFL game against the New Orleans Saints in the NFL game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. 13th. November 2016. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke / Denver Broncos)

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) smiles after Denver beat the New Orleans Saints 25-23 in the NFL game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. 13th. November 2016.

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart, 26, celebrates with teammates in the locker room as he received a match ball after Denver defeated New Orleans 25-23 in the NFL game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. 13th. November 2016.

Safety Darian Stewart (26), his wife Whitley and their daughter Hayden at the Stewart contract renewal on June 26th. November 2016 in Pat Bowlen’s conference room. (Photo by Ben Swanson / DenverBroncos. com)

Safety Darian Stewart, 26, his wife Whitley and their daughter Hayden at a media meeting on Jan.. November 2016 for his contract extension. (Photo by Ben Swanson / DenverBroncos. com)

Denver Broncos defender Darian Stewart, 26, attacks DeAndre ‘Washington (33) with an 8-yard carry during the first quarter of the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado. 1. January 2017.

The six Pro Bowl players of the 2017 Broncos – Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. . (25), external linebacker Von Miller (58), wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10), cornerback Aqib Talib (21), wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and Safety Darian Stewart (26) – on the first day of the AFC Pro Bowl Exercises on Wednesday 25th. January 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Safety Darian Stewart (26) and his daughter Hayden on the second day of Pro Bowl training on Thursday, April 26th. January 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Cornerback Aqib Talib (21) and security Darian Stewart (26) at the Pro Bowl 2017 on Saturday, May 28. January 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Outside linebacker Von Miller (58), cornerback Aqib Talib (21) and security Darian Stewart (26) at the 2017 Pro Bowl on Saturday, May 28. January 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Security Darian Stewart (26) yells during a team run on the afternoon of Jan.. April 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Cornerback Aqib Talib (21), security T. . J. . Ward, 43, security Darian Stewart (26) and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. . (25) at the photo shoot of the Media Broadcast Network on 14. June 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Security Darian Stewart (26) and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. . (25) during training in the training camp on 27. July 2017, the first day of the camp. (Ben Swanson)

Safety Darian Stewart (26) ties his shoe when his helmet is on 3. August 2017 sitting on a Gatorade cooler in a training camp. (Ben Swanson)

49ers General Manager and Former Broncos Security Officer John Lynch speaks on Nov.. August 2017 at Levi’s Stadium with Darian Stewart (26) in a training session with the 49ers. (Ben Swanson)

Cornerback Aqib Talib (21), cornerback Bradley Roby (29), security Darian Stewart (26) during a training session with the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on May 17. August 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) during foreplay against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, Jan.. August 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) during pre-action action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. , 17. September 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos security Darian Stewart (26) stands after attacking Dallas Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott (21) during first quarter action against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver , Colorado, ran back. , 17. September 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos Free Safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates during a regular NFL soccer game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, October. 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia)

Security Darian Stewart (26) announced on 24. October 2017 honored a student with high fives at Fuel Up to Play 60s 2017 Fuel Greatness Touchdown Recognition event. (Ben Swanson)

Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31), Zach Kerr (92) and linebackers Zaire Anderson (50) react after safety Darian Stewart (26) intercepted a pass in the end zone during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs hat during the game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Jan.. October 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Steve Atwater and Darian Stewart during training at the UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, Aug.. November 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Safety Darian Stewart, 26, during a walkthrough at Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse on Jan.. November 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) takes the field with a Soldier in recognition of the salute to service during the introduction of the players before playing against New England in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado Patriots. 12. November 2017.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) attacks Cincinnati Bengals Joe Mixon (28) runs back during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. , 19th. November 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) and Markus Jacobs action during exercise at the UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, Jan.. December 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Safety Darian Stewart (26) in the tunnel before introducing the players before the game of 14. Broncos Week vs. the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field in Mile High on Jan.. December 2017. (Ben Swanson)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) celebrates with cornerback Aqib Talib (21) after an interception during action against the New York Jets in the second quarter during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. , 10. December 2017.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart action during team training at the UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, Jan.. April 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

External linebacker Von Miller (58) speaks on 10. and last day of OTAs on 7. June 2018 at the UCHealth Training Center with security Darian Stewart (26) on the sidelines.

Safety Darian Stewart (26) on the eighth day of the training camp on 5. August 2018 at the UCHealth Training Center.

Safety Darian Stewart (26) during the introduction of the players at Broncos Stadium in Mile High before the Broncos game against the Chicago Bears on Aug.. August 2018.

Security player Darian Stewart (26) poses before the Broncos game against the Chicago Bears on Jan.. August 2018 at the Broncos Stadium in Mile High.

Denver Broncos defenseman Darian Stewart (26) during the NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Broncos Stadium on Mile High in Denver, Colo., Jan.. August 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart signs ahead of the Broncos preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on Jan.. August 2018 a No Fly Zone jersey.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) signs autographs for fans during the NFL preseason game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, Jan.. August 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) tackles the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium on Mile High in Denver, Colorado. , 9. September 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart and his daughter Hayden during a family breakfast at the UCHealth Training Center on Jan.. September 2018.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. , 16. September 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart greets Hall of Fame Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in the tunnel during team presentations prior to the Broncos’ third week game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on May 23. September 2018.

Darian Stewart’s daughter Hayden during a family breakfast at the UCHealth Training Center on Jan.. September 2018.

Darian Stewart in the tunnel while warming up before the game before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium in Mile High on Aug.. October 2018.

DENVER, CO – 1. OCTOBER: Darian Stewart (26) of Denver Broncos during the NFL regular season soccer game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, October. 1, 2018 at Broncos Stadium on Mile High in Denver. (Photo by Ric Tapia / Broncos)

DENVER, CO – 1. OCTOBER: Darian Stewart (26) of Denver Broncos during the NFL regular season soccer game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, October. 1, 2018 at Broncos Stadium on Mile High in Denver. (Photo by Ric Tapia / Broncos)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) during action of the NFL game prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Jan.. October 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart greets the 11th game before the game. Broncos Week vs. Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on Jan.. November 2018 while warming up before the game.

CARSON, CA – Jan.. NOVEMBER: Denver Broncos strong security Darian Stewart, 26, assaults Keenan Allen, 13, the recipient of the Los Angeles Charger, during regular NFL season game on Sunday, November. 18, 2018 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. The Broncos won 23-22. (Photo by Ric Tapia)

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) attacks Virgil Green (88) of Los Angeles Chargers during action of the NFL game in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., on Jan.. November 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart Stollen at the UCHealth Training Center in Centennial, CO, Jan.. November 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart in the tunnel during the introduction of the players before the 12th game. The Broncos Week against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium in Mile High on Jan.. November 2018.

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) during action of the NFL first quarter game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept.. December 2018.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

Darian Stewart of Denver Broncos investigates the offense before the ball snaps into place during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan.. December 2018.
Photo by David Dermer

Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart (26) scored during action of the NFL second quarter game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan.. December 2018 fixed a bug.
Photo by Gabriel Christ

In his weekly interview, John Elway reflects on the Broncos’ close loss to Kansas City, what Jerry Jeudy can learn from it, and more.

The Broncos also appointed Jake Butt to return from the IR and began his 21-day practice window.

Donatell thanked both the Broncos medical staff and some of the assistant coaches for the help they had given in his absence.

« [He] is a top-level safety over the run that goes downhill at neat angles to fill in secondary support, » Bowen wrote.

In addition to recognizing Justin Simmons as the team’s Walter Payton 2020 NFL Man of the Year, the Broncos announced awards for six players.

This is the second season in a row that Simmons has received the team’s nomination for the National Award.

The Broncos also named Derrek Tuszka for returning from the IR and began his 21-day practice window.

Also, hear Vic Fangio about Jerry Jeudy and A.. . J. . Bouye, Will Parks on his return and Panthers HC Matt Rhule as they decide on Sunday’s game.

If his Tyreek Hill chase was any clue, Shelby Harris may be ready for further action.

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