Northwestern State University of Louisana

Stephens, a Springhill native, broke Joe Delaney's school career rushing record while piling up 3,057 yards from 1984-87. He is the only first-round NFL Draft selection in school history, as the 17th pick in the 1988 draft, and is one of eight former Demons to win All-Pro honors, which he did in 1988 while earning AFC Rookie of the Year accolades for the New England Patriots. Stephens was the Gulf Star Conference “Freshman of the Year” in 1984 when he helped coach Sam Goodwin’s Demons share the league title. His career totals displayed steady production as his career single-game rushing high, 203 yards against Sam Houston State in 1986, ranks a modest 10th in the list of top single-game performances in school history. He was selected to the Top 100 Demons of the Century roster chosen in the 2007 football centennial celebration.

John Milton Stephens (born February 23, 1966 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is a former American professional football player who was selected by the New England Patriots in the 1st round (17th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft. A 6'1", 220 lbs. running back from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, Stephens played in 6 NFL seasons from 1988-1993 for the Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs. As a rookie for the Patriots during the 1988 season, Stephens rushed for 1,168 yards and was selected to his one and only Pro Bowl.