It was a bittersweet moment on Friday when former Jaguars running back James Stewart announced the team's second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Stewart played for five seasons in Duval, and he's statistically one of the best backs to play for the Jaguars in franchise history. He was given the honor of announcing the team's No. 48 pick in 2024, which was used to take LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith.
While Jaguars fans celebrated the addition along the defensive line, Stewart delivered heartbreaking personal news at the podium — the death of his younger sister.
Here's more to know about Stewart and his sister.
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Who is James Stewart?
Stewart is a former running back who played for eight seasons in the NFL. After being drafted with the No. 19 overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, he spent five years with the Jaguars from 1995-99 before ending his career with the Lions (2000-02).
A standout at Tennessee in college, Stewart currently holds the mark for the third-most rushing yards and third-most rushing touchdowns in Jaguars history.
James Stewart sister
Before announcing the Jaguars' second-round pick, Stewart revealed that his "baby sister died" last night. He thanked the city of Detroit and asked for fans to say a prayer for him and his family.
It is not known what the cause of death was.
James Stewart making the pick for the Jaguars. Prior to making pick he announced that his sister passed away last night. Thoughts with the Stewart family.
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) April 27, 2024
James Stewart stats
Stewart did not transform into a stud in the NFL, but he was still a reliable back during his time in the league.
His best seasons came during his time with the Lions. After five years in Jacksonville, Stewart left the AFC South member for the NFC North, signing with Detroit in free agency ahead of the 2000 season.
He rushed for a career-high 1,184 yards in his first season with the Lions. Stewart's numbers dropped in 2001, but he got back over the 1,000-yard threshold in 2002, his final season in the league.
Here is a look at his career rushing numbers in the NFL.
| Season | Team | Games | Attempts | Rush Attempts | TDs |
| 1995 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 14 | 137 | 525 | 2 |
| 1996 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 13 | 190 | 723 | 8 |
| 1997 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 16 | 136 | 555 | 8 |
| 1998 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 3 | 53 | 217 | 2 |
| 1999 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 14 | 249 | 931 | 13 |
| 2000 | Detroit Lions | 16 | 339 | 1,184 | 10 |
| 2001 | Detroit Lions | 11 | 143 | 685 | 1 |
| 2002 | Detroit Lions | 14 | 231 | 1,021 | 4 |
| Total | 101 | 1,478 | 5,841 | 48 |
