Background
Stanley was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. His father, Sylvester Stanley, Senior, worked at a General Motors plant in Youngstown. His mother, Theodora, was a licensed practical nurse
Stanley was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. His father, Sylvester Stanley, Senior, worked at a General Motors plant in Youngstown. His mother, Theodora, was a licensed practical nurse
Stanley played college football for the from 1990 to 1993 and was the Most Valuable Player on the 1993 Michigan Wolverines football team He played professional football for the New England Patriots (1994), Rhein Fire (1996–1997) and Grand Rapids Rampage (1999–2000). After graduating from Youngstown"s East High School, Stanley accepted an athletic scholarship to the, choosing Michigan over offers from Ohio State University and Michigan State University.
He played at the defensive tackle and middle guard positions for the Michigan Wolverines football teams from 1990 to 1993.
After a lackluster defensive performance against Houston in 1993, Stanley called a defensive team meeting. Stanley noted, "We had a little meeting (last) Sunday — just the (defensive) players and we got everything out and came out with a better attitude this week.
We wanted to come out and play "Michigan defense."" The following week against Iowa, Stanley "led an inspired effort by the Wolverines defensive front", allowing only 48 yards on the ground. Stanley had 10 tackles in the game, including three for losses and two quarterback sacks.
Stanley was selected as the Most Valuable Player and a co-captain of the 1993 Michigan Wolverines football team
Stanley graduated from the in 1994 with a bachelor of arts degree in kinesiology. He played as a nose guard for the New England Patriots in 1994. In 1996 and 1997, he played for the Rhein Fire in the World League of American Football.
He was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at the from 1997 to 1999.
He played for the Grand Rapids Rampage in the Arena Football League from 1999 to 2000. After retiring from football, Stanley worked as an account representative for Worthington Steel (1999–2003) and as a sales representative for United States. Smokeless Tobacco Brands (2003–2009).