Chatsworth retires jersey of former standout
Stewart was college All-American, played five seasons in NFL
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
Those were the inspirational words of former Chatsworth High football standout Rayna Stewart, as he was honored Friday during his jersey retirement ceremony at the school.
Stewart graduated from Chatsworth in 1991, and he has built a legacy of football that continues to this day, having been a college All-American, played five seasons in the NFL and now serves as an assistant coach in the NFL.
“To come back and have former classmates of mine celebrate you and appreciate and love you, it's fantastic,” said Stewart, who was presented with a framed version of the No. 24 jersey he wore at Chatsworth. “These are the ones who would tell you about yourself when you need to be told about yourself. Even more special are the students to embrace an old alumni like me. It's a great feeling.
“C-House is C-House and it doesn't change regardless of them.”
Stewart said he learned to do it all on the football field, but said he wanted to be the star running back at Chatsworth.
He had to adjust his dreams when the school's former head coach, the late Myron Gibford, moved him to defensive back.
Stewart said former Chancellors assistant coach Bill Baden stood by his side every step of the way and helped propel him to the collegiate level. Baden assured Stewart things would be OK.
Stewart went on to become a two-time All-American at Northern Arizona University and set a record for most passes defended in a season.
“There was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, but he was probably the best defensive back I ever coached,” said Baden. “I told him as long as you focus on that (defensive back), I'm pretty sure you'll get a scholarship. It's a well-deserved
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honor to have his jersey retired and I'm very happy for him.”
After his stellar college career, Stewart was chosen by the Houston Oilers in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft. Stewart played in 71 games and finished his career with 77 tackles, four fumble recoveries, two interceptions and half a sack.
When his playing career was over, Stewart took up coaching. It was something Stewart always wanted to do after he finished playing. He has been coaching at all levels since 2001.
“My drive to coach was to influence others,” said Stewart. “How do you love people? Coaching for me was the avenue of how it's done. I love pouring into the next generation and that is my desire at the end of the day.”
Stewart had brief coaching stints with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers and has been a part of the Dallas Cowboys' special teams coaching staff since 2022.
Stewart said he has a simple message for young, aspiring athletes.
“Just compete,” he said. “Compete and love the competition. It's not winning or losing. Numbers lie all the time. The balance is to find the medium and proper head space to stay neutral. That's what the baseline should always be. Just compete and fight hard.”