Meet PJ Stebbings, a versatile defensive back with experience in corner and safety positions. Currently, he's making waves in his first season with the Gijon Mariners, competing in Serie A, Spain's premier division. His journey began last year with the Limburg Shotguns in the BNL.
Going Down Memory Lane
Can you share a memorable moment from your football career that truly defines you as a player?
My most defining moment in my professional career was our 2023 win against The Amsterdam Crusaders, when I was playing for The Limburg Shotguns.
I believe that I play best in pressure situations and this was one of the biggest games in Limburg Shotgun history. Going into the game, we were massive underdogs and nobody was giving us a chance to win. We had lost to them earlier in the season in Amsterdam by 20, and everyone in the media had already written us off for this game. We needed to win this game to keep our playoff hopes alive, but nobody except the 50 guys on our roster and some of our most loyal fans believed in us. I played one of the best games in my life, recording 2 interceptions and making some crucial 3rd and 4th down pass breakups and tackles.
Our team came together more than we ever had and was able to secure a victory with a last minute touchdown on a goal line fade on 4th down with under 2 minutes to go. Winning this game was the biggest win in Shotguns history, as it was the first time they had ever beaten Amsterdam and we secured our spot in the playoffs with the win.
Humble Beginnings to Football
Where did you grow up, and how has your hometown influenced your football journey?
I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota on East Lake Street. My neighborhood was one of the roughest neighborhoods in Minneapolis, and for many kids, sports were an escape for us and a way to get out to get a college education and make money. As a kid I played every sport , mainly football, basketball and baseball, but football was always the sport I loved most and the sport that I knew I had the most potential to play at the next level.
What sparked your interest in football, and who were your early influences in the sport?
My grandfather was my biggest football influence. He and I were very similar in many ways, and as a kid one of my favorite memories is watching the NFL with him. I fell in love with the toughness and aggressiveness of the sport, which is something you can’t find anywhere else. My grandfather always believed in my football potential and was one of my biggest supporters. He always referred to the mentality of playing football as “controlled aggression” and that phrase has stuck with me throughout my career.
Career Development and Major Achievements
Can you walk us through your football journey, from your early days to where you are now?
I started playing football in Park Board at Longfellow Park in South Minneapolis, then played at Minneapolis South High my freshman year. As a freshman, I was able to make varsity and a few games into the season I was the starting corner as a freshman. After the season I transferred to a bigger school in the district, Minneapolis Washburn, who was known as a Minneapolis athletics powerhouse and where I was able to get more eyes on me from college coaches.
After high school, I committed to a Division 2 school in southern Minnesota, but COVID shut down the season, and I ended up transferring to a junior college. After playing two seasons of JuCo and one NCAA season, I started going to pro combines where I was able to get signed to the Limburg Shotguns. After having a breakout rookie year, I was selected to the US National team and played two all star games in Mexico. Afterwards,I signed to the Gijon Mariners in Spain.
Do you have any noteworthy statistics or records that you believe reflect your contributions to the sport?
As a sophomore in college I was named a Juco All-American as well as All-conference first team. In my professional career, as a rookie, I led the BNL in interceptions with 6, and this year I am currently leading Spain in interceptions. I believe that creating turnovers are the most important part of playing defense, because they can completely change a game in your favor. I am very proud of the turnovers I’ve been able to create to help my team be successful
Getting Personal
Are there any personal stories or challenges you've faced that have significantly shaped your journey?
In January 2023, right before I left for Belgium for my rookie year, my grandma passed away from Alzheimer’s. My grandparents helped raise me and losing her right before I left the country, and a few years after losing my grandfather, was very difficult for me. Losing her made me question if I was making the right decision by leaving the country and leaving the rest of my family behind for the season, but I realized that she would not want me to give up on my dream of playing professional football. II played the 2023 season in memory of her, playing one of the best seasons in my career.
Beyond football, what are some of your interests or passions?
Outside of football, my biggest passion is giving back to my community back home through supporting our youth. Gun violence and children growing up without strong male role models in their life, are the two biggest problems in our community.
During the offseason, I’m heavily involved in youth programs and coaching. I coach at TCC high school in south Minneapolis and work at Field elementary school. I also volunteer at various youth programs throughout Minneapolis, helping to mentor at-risk kids, in particular young men who are growing up without a father. Keeping young boys & men out of gang life, and the criminal justice system, through sports is my biggest passion.
Playing Style & Skillset
How would you describe your playing style and the skills that set you apart on the field?
I would consider my talents as a ball hawk my biggest strength on the field. When the ball is in the air I believe I'm always going to come down with it, and I love the momentum swing that creating a turnover gives my team. Although my primary skill is my pass coverage, I am also known as a very hard-hitting DB. Every ball carrier knows that if they have the ball in my area, a big hit is coming.
As an American import player, I understand my role is different from the local players. I believe it’s my responsibility to motivate all of my teammates and bring the team together, by leading them through my actions. Being disciplined and aggressive are the two most important factors in playing good football, and I try to live up to that standard in every game and every practice.
Current Role and Future Outlook
What is your current role within your team or the league, and how do you see it evolving?
My current role for the Mariners is at free safety, where I am expected to lock down the opponents #1 receiver and create turnovers, as well as be the last line of defense in run support. I also return kicks and punts. I am always looking to create an explosive play to set up great field position for my offense or to put points on the board myself. I am also able to play on the offensive side of the ball at receiver in crucial situations, and I’m always trying to make a big play in a critical moment on the offensive side of the ball.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and what goals do you hope to achieve in your future football endeavors?
My goal is to play at the highest level possible in this profession. Whether that be the NFL, XFL, GFL or ELF, I believe I have the talent to play in any league. I just need the right person to see me play and give me an opportunity.
Reflection
In your own words, how would you summarize your legacy and the mark you've left in football?
I believe that my legacy is just beginning. Helping lead the Limburg Shotguns to their biggest win in franchise history and the BNL semi finals was a great start to my career, but I am just getting started. Beyond football I hope to set an example for young men in Minneapolis to show that through hard work and dedication anything is possible and that you do not have to become a product of your environment.
Is there a particular quote or message you'd like to leave with our readers that encapsulates your journey and philosophy?
My favorite quote is “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Nothing in my life was ever given to me. I always had to go take it. Every opportunity I had I had to maximize to make it to the next step in my life.
My message to every young football player would be that the opportunity is there, but you need to go take it, in this sport no one is going to give you any handouts, the only way to get what you want out of this game is to put everything you have into it and outwork everyone.
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