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The Backstory: Our Sun Devil legend series continues with No. 92. For everything he did on the field while wearing maroon and gold, Jeremy Staat may be more famous for his contributions off the field since leaving Tempe.
The Player: Jeremy Staat (1996-1997)
Staat was raised in Bakersfield, California, and attended Bakersfield Community College for two years before transferring to Arizona State in 1996. Staat quickly befriended another defensive player, Pat Tillman, as the two were roommates during their time on campus.
During his two season at Arizona State, Staat was a fixture along the defensive line on Bruce Snyder's defense. Staat was named a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press in 1997. That season, he led Arizona State in sacks (12.5) and tackles for loss (23) on a team that went 9-3.
Staat was named the 1997 Sun Bowl Lineman MVP in Arizona State's 17-7 victory over Iowa. Staat earned two letters at Arizona State (1996-1997) before leaving Tempe for a short pro career.
In the Pros: Staat was drafted in the second round (41st overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played three seasons in Pittsburgh, playing 29 games, starting just two.
Staat was released by the Seattle Seahawks in 2001 and found himself playing for the St. Louis Rams in 2003, where he only played in three games.
He played one season in the Arena Football League, playing for the Los Angeles Avengers in 2004.
After Football: Staat strongly considered joining the military after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. However, Pat Tillman talked him out of it, urging him to stay in the NFL for three mores seasons so he could earn the league's retirement benefits.
Staat joined the United States Marine Corps in 2006. In March of 2007, he was deployed to Iraq with the 1st Marines 3rd Battalion for a seven month tour.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Staat returned to Arizona State and graduated in 2009.
In February of 2012, Staat and veteran Wesley Barrientos (a double-amputee) began their "Wall to Wall" bicycle ride across the country. The two men traveled from the Wall of Valor in Bakersfield to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. (4,623 miles).
The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and support for veteran causes throughout the country.
You can learn more about the Jeremy Staat Foundation at the website below.
http://jeremystaatfoundation.org/
Honorable Mention
Junior Ioane (1998-1999)
Ioane was an All-American in junior college and played two season at Arizona State. Ioane finished with 38 tackles and four sacks in 1998, and in 1999, Ioane was named Honorable Mention All-Pac-10.
Who Wears 92 Now
Sophomore defensive tackle Jaxon Hood dons the number 92 now. Last season as a freshman, Hood was named a Freshman All-American, recording 26 tackles, three sacks and four tackles for loss. When all is said and done, Hood should have a shot at passing stat as the torch-bearer for No. 92
Other famous 92s
NFL DL Reggie White (1984-2000): The NFL Hall of Famer White finished his pro career with over 1,000 total tackles and 198 sacks. He was a 10-time All-Pro selection and his number is retired by two NFL teams and the University of Tennessee.
NFL DL James Harrison (2002-Present): Harrison is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.