By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Former Missouri Western cornerback D.J. Stirgus has never been to the nation's capital before.
Heck, he didn't even know previously that the Washington Commanders are based there.
"Honestly, I did not know Washington (the team) was in Washington D.C.," Stirgus admitted, smiling. "I did not know that at all. But, just grateful for the opportunity, man. Gotta give honor to God."
That opportunity came in the form of a phone call this past Saturday night. Stirgus was home in Benton, Arkansas with his family when his agent called.
Stirgus joined the Commanders as an undrafted free agent.
"I couldn't eat, use the bathroom, I was so nervous," he said. "Then the call came from my agent. He was the one who told me. I almost started crying, well, I did start crying. I hugged my Mom. Just estatic."
A first-team all-MIAA selection in 2022, Stirgus finished this past season with 26 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception. He went to Mizzou's Pro Day in late March, where he said personnel from numerous teams approached him.
"I felt like I did great and I got told that from many scouts," Stirgus said. "It showed, because I'm a Commander now. Somebody liked it."
Stirgus finished 8th in Missouri Western history with 30 career pass breakups. He was named to the Elite 100 First Team in January, and was also named Missouri Western's Male Athlete of the Year on Monday.
He's now one of four former Griffons active in the NFL, joining corner and former teammate Sam Webb (Raiders), kicker Greg Zuerlein (Jets) and safety Jonathan Owens (Texans).
Another former Griffon and former teammate of Stirgus', cornerback Brandin Dandridge, is in his fifth season with the Ottawa Redblacks in the Canadian Football League.
Couple that with Platte County native and former Missouri Western safety Kobe Cummings earning a rookie minicamp invite from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.
"We're like DBU (Defensive Back University) of Division II," Stirgus said of Missouri Western. "Sam (Webb) has been a major help through this process. Any time I need something I call him. They've all been a major help in those whole situation, because I went in blind and knew nothing of it. They just made it so much easier for me."
Stirgus will report for his first workouts with the Commanders in mid-May. While he looks forward to what's next, he'll never forget what's behind in St. Joseph.
Especially since he was named as Missouri Western's Male Athlete of the Year at the Golden Griff awards Monday night.
"Man I love it here," he said fondly. "Have always loved it here. It's quiet, nice place. The people are great. I couldn't have asked for a better home, honestly."
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