Fred Stokes, a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL), embarked on his professional football journey after being selected in the 12th round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Born on March 14, 1964, in Vidalia, Georgia, Stokes honed his skills at Georgia Southern University, where he played college football and developed into a formidable defensive presence.
Stokes began his NFL career with the Rams, where he played for three seasons. During his tenure with the team, he demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, contributing to the Rams' defensive efforts with his size and agility. His performance with the Rams laid the foundation for his subsequent moves within the league.
In 1990, Stokes joined the Washington Redskins, a team with which he would achieve one of the highlights of his career. As part of the Redskins' roster, he played a crucial role in their defensive lineup. The pinnacle of his time with Washington came during the 1991 season when the Redskins advanced to Super Bowl XXVI. Stokes' performance in the Super Bowl was noteworthy; he recorded two sacks and forced a fumble, helping the Redskins secure a victory over the Buffalo Bills. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, earning him recognition for his contributions to the team's success.
After his stint with the Redskins, Stokes returned to the Rams for the 1992 season. His second tenure with the team was marked by consistent performances, as he continued to be a reliable defensive end. However, his time with the Rams was relatively short-lived, as he moved on to the New Orleans Saints in 1993.
With the Saints, Stokes continued to showcase his defensive prowess. Over the course of three seasons in New Orleans, he remained a steady presence on the defensive line, contributing to the team's efforts to stifle opposing offenses. His experience and skills were valuable assets to the Saints' defense during his time with the team.
In 1995, Stokes returned to the Washington Redskins for one final season. His return to Washington allowed him to bring his career full circle, rejoining the team with which he had previously achieved Super Bowl success. Although his final season did not replicate the heights of his earlier years, Stokes' presence on the field was a testament to his enduring capabilities as a defensive end.
Fred Stokes concluded his NFL career after the 1996 season. Over the course of his career, he played in 123 games, recording a total of 46.5 sacks.
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