Reddy Steward Bio
Reddrick “Reddy” Stefon Steward (born May 4, 2001) is an American professional football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 ft 11 in and listed at 178 lb, he has built his reputation through a sharp defensive instinct and a willingness to compete for the football in contested situations. After going undrafted out of college in 2024, Steward worked his way onto NFL rosters through perseverance and steady on-field production, eventually landing in Dallas.
Early Life and Background
Steward was born on May 4, 2001, in Sheffield, Alabama, and grew up in nearby Decatur, where he attended Austin High School. During his senior season, he posted 36 tackles and three interceptions on defense while also contributing eight touchdowns on offense, signaling his two-way athletic ability. Coming out of high school, he was rated a three-star recruit and held scholarship offers from programs including FAU, Memphis, Michigan, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Southern Miss, and Troy.
His combination of ball production on defense and playmaking ability on offense helped him stand out among regional prospects. Steward ultimately chose to commit to Troy, a program in the Sun Belt Conference that offered him an early opportunity to see the field at the college level.
Path to American Football
Steward developed his game as a multipurpose defensive back at Austin High School, where his interception totals and offensive touchdown production drew attention from several FBS programs. The recruiting attention validated his coverage skills and physicality, and his decision to sign with Troy allowed him to step into a competitive conference environment early in his college career.
His path from a three-star high school prospect to NFL cornerback was not a straight line. By choosing Troy, Steward embraced a developmental route, betting that consistent playing time and conference recognition would create an NFL opportunity regardless of draft status.
Reddy Steward Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Steward played college football for the Troy Trojans from 2019 through 2023, working his way into a featured role in the secondary. Across five seasons, he accumulated 181 tackles, two and a half sacks, 42 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and two pick-sixes, establishing himself as one of the conference’s most productive defensive backs.
He earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors in both 2022 and 2023, recognizing his consistent coverage and ball-hawking play. His 2023 season stood out as his best, when he tallied 50 tackles, four interceptions, and a touchdown, cementing his status as an NFL prospect heading into his final year.
Chicago Bears Breakthrough (2024)
After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Steward signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He made an immediate impression in the 2024 preseason finale, intercepting two passes and returning one 48 yards for a touchdown, a performance that showcased his instincts and return ability.
Although he was waived on August 27, 2024, Steward was re-signed to the Bears’ practice squad and continued to develop. In Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season, he forced a fumble on Marvin Harrison Jr. that was recovered by Chicago, a momentum-shifting play that highlighted his tackling and ball-stripping ability at the professional level.
Minnesota Vikings (2025)
On January 16, 2025, Steward signed a reserve/future contract with the Minnesota Vikings, providing him a fresh opportunity to compete for a roster spot. He spent the offseason and preseason with Minnesota before being waived on August 24, 2025.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2025–Present)
On August 27, 2025, Steward was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys, giving him a new home and an opening to contribute in the secondary. Late in the 2025 season, he saw increased playing time after cornerback DaRon Bland was placed on season-ending injured reserve and the team waived Trevon Diggs ahead of the season finale, allowing Steward to step into a larger role.
In a January 2026 interview, Steward credited Diggs with helping him develop a more aggressive, turnover-focused approach, including studying quarterback reads and refining press technique. On March 16, 2026, Steward signed his exclusive rights tender with the Cowboys, locking in his place on the roster as he continues to build on his late-season momentum.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the field, Steward has shown a knack for creating turnovers, highlighted by his college production of nine interceptions and two pick-sixes and his two-interception preseason performance with the Bears. His coverage instincts, willingness to support the run, and ability to contribute on special teams have made him a dependable depth piece who can step into a starting role when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Steward’s two-interception preseason finale with the Bears, including a 48-yard pick-six, remains a defining early-career highlight. His forced fumble on Marvin Harrison Jr. in Week 9 of 2024 and his late-season surge with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025 underscore his knack for arriving in big moments.
Reddy Steward Career Wins
Steward’s on-field résumé is anchored by two first-team All-Sun Belt selections (2022 and 2023) at Troy and a string of impact plays across his first two NFL seasons. His combination of college production and timely professional performances has positioned him as a young cornerback on the rise.
Troy Trojans Highlights
Across five seasons with the Troy Trojans, Steward totaled 181 tackles, nine interceptions, 42 pass deflections, two and a half sacks, and two pick-sixes. His 2023 campaign, featuring 50 tackles, four interceptions, and a touchdown, served as his most complete college season and helped earn his second consecutive first-team All-Sun Belt nod.
Other Performances
Beyond his college accolades, Steward’s professional resume includes a two-interception preseason finale with the Chicago Bears, a forced fumble against Marvin Harrison Jr. in Week 9 of the 2024 season, and an expanded role down the stretch for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.
Reddy Steward Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public biographical details about Steward’s immediate family are limited, with no widely reported information on his parents or relatives in available verified sources.
Personal Life
Steward is known publicly by his nickname “Reddy,” a shortened form of his given name Reddrick. He maintains a presence on Instagram under the handle rsteward2, where he shares updates from his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Steward’s 2025 campaign began with a reserve/future contract signed with the Minnesota Vikings in January, followed by a transition to the Dallas Cowboys after being claimed off waivers on August 27. The late-season shift in Dallas thrust him into a heightened role in the secondary after injuries and roster moves opened the door for more snaps.
Through his time with Dallas in 2025, Steward recorded 64 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and 3 pass deflections, numbers that reflected his growing comfort at the NFL level. His increased usage following Bland’s injury and Diggs’ release offered him a chance to demonstrate the coverage and tackling skills he refined throughout his college career.
With an exclusive rights tender signed in March 2026, Steward’s outlook for the coming year centers on locking down a stable role in the Cowboys’ secondary. His 2025 production, combined with mentorship from established veterans, suggests he could compete for a starting position as Dallas reshapes its cornerback group.
