Stafford Mays: From NFL Defensive Lineman to Building a Brotherhood at O’Dea

On fall Friday nights at O’Dea High School, Coach Stafford Mays stands on the sideline not just as a coach, but as someone who has lived the game at its highest level. A former NFL defensive lineman, he brings great experience, discipline, and leadership to the program as O’Dea’s defensive line coach. His journey from the professional field to mentoring young athletes has shaped both his life and the lives of countless players.

Before becoming a coach, Mays played defensive line in the National Football League. He competed for teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings, battling in the trenches against some of the league’s best. Playing at that level meant toughness, preparation, and accountability. Those same qualities now show his coaching style. He understands what it takes to compete, and more importantly, what it takes to grow as a man through the game.

When asked what first brought him to O’Dea, Coach Mays explained, “Coach Monte Kohler reached out and asked me to join the staff. That invitation meant a lot. I didn’t know at the time how much it would change my life, but I knew it was an opportunity to serve and teach the game I love.”

Even though he did not attend O’Dea as a student, he quickly embraced its culture.

“Brotherhood here is real,” he said. “It’s not about where you’re from It’s about how you show up for the people next to you. Like I said Kohler and Crotty, and the coaching staff welcomed me like family from day one.”

He credits Coach Kohler, Coach Mike Crotty, and the rest of the staff for showing him what true Brotherhood looks like. “They showed me that brotherhood is built through trust, sacrifice, and accountability.”

Reflecting on his NFL career, Coach Mays sees a connection between his playing days and his coaching.

“Playing defensive line in the NFL taught me that nobody hands you anything. You earn it every snap. That’s what I will try to teach my guys here. Effort, discipline, and pride in your work.” His professional experience gives him credibility, but his focus is on development. “If a player leaves here a better man than when he arrived, then we’ve done our job.”

Having his son Taylor Mays attend O’Dea made his experience even more meaningful.

“Being both a coach and a father gave me a different perspective,” he shared. “When it’s your own son in the locker room, you understand the responsibility on a deeper level. Every player here is someone’s son.”

Watching his son eventually reach the NFL was emotional.

“As a coach, I was proud of the work he put in. As a father, I was just grateful. You think about the early mornings, the setbacks, and the faith it took to get there.”

When asked about being placed on the Wall of Fame, Coach Mays immediately shifted the spotlight. “That honor belongs to my wife, Laurie Black, she sacrificed more than anyone. If my name is on that wall, it’s because she was with me and I was with her every step of the way. Football is never just one person’s achievement. It’s family, its teammates, it’s coaches. I just happened to represent all of that.”

Looking back on his years at O’Dea, Coach Mays is clear about what matters most. “Wins are great, but relationships are everything. The text messages from former players, and im just blessed to be here.”

From the NFL to the O’Dea sideline, Coach Mays has built a legacy grounded in service, faith, and brotherhood. His story proves that leadership is not about titles or trophies. It is about the lives you impact and the example you leave behind.

This is the link to the interview Alumni interview