Isaiah Stalbird Bio
Isaiah Stalbird is an American professional football linebacker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and South Dakota State Jackrabbits before signing with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Stalbird has established himself as a special teams contributor and emerging defensive player, recording his first career sack during the 2025 season.
Early Life and Background
Isaiah Stalbird was born on July 16, 2000, in Kearney, Nebraska, where he grew up and developed his athletic abilities. He attended Kearney High School, where he competed in football, soccer, and wrestling, demonstrating versatility across multiple sports. As a two-way player in football, he helped lead his team to the state finals in his senior year.
During his final high school season, Stalbird recorded 393 receiving yards and six touchdowns on offense while contributing 77 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions on defense. His outstanding performance earned him first-team All-Nebraska honors from the Omaha World-Herald and a spot on the Super-State team selected by the Lincoln Journal Star. He served as his team’s leader in receiving yards, touchdowns, and fumble recoveries during his senior campaign.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Kearney High School, Stalbird walked on to play college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He redshirted as a true freshman during the 2018 season, using that year to adjust to the college-level competition and training regimen. The following year in 2019, he appeared in 12 games, primarily contributing on special teams units.
At Nebraska, Stalbird made 13 tackles and recorded a blocked punt during his sophomore season. His collegiate career took a significant turn after the 2019 season when he transferred to South Dakota State University to continue his football career. The move to South Dakota State would prove pivotal to his development as a player and his eventual path to the NFL.
Isaiah Stalbird Career
South Dakota State Years (2020–2023)
Stalbird arrived at South Dakota State and immediately contributed to a program building toward national prominence. During the 2020-21 season, he appeared in all 10 games and helped the Jackrabbits reach the FCS national championship game. He finished that season with 30 tackles and four pass breakups while primarily playing safety. The experience of competing in high-stakes playoff games would serve him well in his development.
Prior to the 2021 season, Stalbird made a position transition from safety to linebacker, a change that would maximize his defensive instincts and tackling ability. The move proved successful as he started 14 of 15 games that fall and ranked second on the team with 73 tackles while tying for the lead with two forced fumbles. His performance demonstrated his ability to adapt and thrive in a new defensive system.
The 2022 season brought even greater accomplishments as Stalbird started 10 games and ranked third on the team with 55 tackles. He also contributed four pass breakups and was instrumental in South Dakota State’s run to the FCS national championship. The Jackrabbits defeated rival North Dakota State in the title game, giving Stalbird his first collegiate national championship. He returned for a final season in 2023 and captured another national championship, capping his college career with 80 tackles, three sacks, and five pass breakups.
Across his four seasons at South Dakota State, Stalbird accumulated 238 total tackles, 18.5 tackles-for-loss, 18 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles. His consistent production and leadership helped establish the Jackrabbits as the dominant program in FCS football. For his efforts in 2023, he earned Second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors.
New Orleans Saints Era (2024–Present)
Despite posting impressive collegiate statistics and winning two national championships, Stalbird went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He quickly signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, earning an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. Additionally, he was selected in the 10th round of the 2024 UFL Draft by the Michigan Panthers, demonstrating interest from multiple professional leagues.
Stalbird’s journey to the active roster proved challenging but determined. The Saints waived him on August 27, 2024, but he cleared waivers and was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. He continued to develop and learn the professional playbook while waiting for his opportunity. On September 14, 2024, he was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for the Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Stalbird made his NFL debut in that contest against Dallas, recording one tackle while appearing on 14 special teams snaps. His ability to contribute immediately on special teams demonstrated the foundation he built during his time at Nebraska and South Dakota State. The Saints signed him to their active roster on December 28, 2024, rewarding his perseverance and special teams contributions throughout his rookie season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Stalbird’s primary value to NFL teams has come through his special teams play, where his speed, tackling ability, and football intelligence translate immediately. His experience as both a safety and linebacker in college gave him a versatile understanding of defensive coverages and run-fits. The position transition he made at South Dakota State showcased his willingness to adapt his game to what his team needed, a trait that has served him well in his professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
The 2025 season brought Stalbird his first career sack when he brought down quarterback Kirk Cousins during a Week 12 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The milestone moment represented a breakthrough in his defensive production and demonstrated his growth as an NFL linebacker. As of the 2025 season, he has recorded 28 total tackles, two sacks, and one pass deflection in his professional career.
Isaiah Stalbird Career Wins
Stalbird’s career includes championship success at the collegiate level, having won two FCS national championships with South Dakota State. His professional accomplishments include earning a spot on an NFL active roster and recording his first career sack. His special teams contributions have been a consistent thread throughout his early professional career.
South Dakota State Highlights
Stalbird’s tenure at South Dakota State produced two national championships, with the Jackrabbits defeating North Dakota State in both the 2022 and 2023 FCS title games. These championship victories marked the pinnacle of his collegiate career and validated his decision to transfer and commit to the program. He finished his South Dakota State career as a reliable tackler and playmaker, ranking among the team leaders in multiple categories during his three seasons.
Professional Achievements
At the NFL level, Stalbird’s most significant achievements include earning elevation from the practice squad to the active roster and securing a full contract with the Saints. His first career sack in 2025 against Kirk Cousins represented a breakthrough moment in his defensive development. As he continues to develop as a professional, his special teams prowess remains his most reliable path to continued playing time.
| Competition Level | Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|
| FCS National Championship | South Dakota State | 2022 |
| FCS National Championship | South Dakota State | 2023 |
| First Career NFL Sack | vs. Atlanta Falcons (Kirk Cousins) | 2025 |
Isaiah Stalbird Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Isaiah Stalbird’s family background and family lineage is not readily available in verified sources. The biographical details that have been confirmed focus primarily on his athletic career and educational history.
Personal Life
Stalbird graduated from Kearney High School in Kearney, Nebraska, before pursuing his collegiate football career. His educational journey included stops at the University of Nebraska and South Dakota State University, where he balanced academic pursuits with athletic development. He continues to maintain a presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant step forward in Isaiah Stalbird’s professional development. His highlight moment came in Week 12 when he recorded his first career sack against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. The sack demonstrated the progress he had made in understanding NFL passing concepts and finding ways to affect opposing quarterbacks.
Throughout the 2025 season, Stalbird continued to serve as a core special teams player for the Saints while gradually increasing his defensive role. His 28 total tackles and two sacks reflect his growing comfort with the professional level of competition. The consistency he showed across multiple seasons at South Dakota State has translated to reliability in his NFL career.
Looking ahead, Stalbird appears positioned to continue his growth within the Saints organization. His versatility, special teams ability, and championship experience give him a solid foundation for continued development. The trajectory from undrafted free agent to regular contributor represents the kind of journey that can inspire other players who face similar challenges in reaching the NFL.