John Stallworth

John Stallworth  -  Hall of Fame Receiver to Steelers Minority Owner

From overcoming childhood paralysis to winning four Super Bowls and becoming a Hall of Famer, John Stallworth embodies quiet excellence. Post-NFL, he turned engineer and founder, paved pathways in business and ownership, and remains a steward of legacy and community. That’s Tall Cotton - rooted in resilience, grown in vision.

Gridiron Greatness

Drafted in the 4th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974, Stallworth defied expectations. Over 14 NFL seasons, he amassed 537 receptions, 8,723 yards, and 63 touchdowns - setting franchise records and crucial postseason performances, including legendary Super Bowl touchdown catches. A 3× Pro Bowler and 2002 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, his impact remains enduring. 

Academic Foundations

A proud HBCU graduate, Stallworth holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an MBA in Finance from Alabama A&M University - skillsets he would deploy in building a post-football business career. 

Building Businesses: Madison Research Corp.

In 1986, Stallworth co-founded Madison Research Corporation (MRC), an IT and engineering firm supporting government and commercial sectors. Under his leadership, MRC flourished to 650 employees and $70 million in annual revenues, receiving regional awards for ethics and growth. He stewarded the company until its sale in 2006.

NFL Ownership: Returning to the Fold

In 2009, Stallworth became a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers - a rare transition from player to partial ownership in the same franchise. His stake ties ownership to legacy and provides representation beyond the field. 

Civic Engagement & Philanthropy

As chairman of the John Stallworth Foundation, he supports scholarships at Alabama A&M and invests in community uplift. He also serves on multiple boards - from Synovus Financial to educational and civic institutions - modeling leadership through service. 

Estimated Net Worth

While estimates vary, public filings suggest his wealth is modest - around $890K to $2 million, anchored more in legacy influence than monetary scale. 

Legacy Blueprint

Stallworth’s journey is not in headline wealth but in sustainable stewardship:

• He translated athletic excellence into business leadership.
• He became part of the ownership structure of the same team he played for.
• He reinvested in his hometown and education, not for attention, but longevity.

John Stallworth & The Tall Cotton

The Tall Cotton preserves stories rooted in impact, integrity, and quiet wealth. Stallworth’s life - a catch in Super Bowl XIV, a tech empire post-retirement, and ownership growth - embodies that ethos.

He didn’t just catch passes - he caught purpose.

He didn’t just retire - he recalibrated for community.

He stands tall because he planted deep, in legacy and service.

Read. Reflect. Then ask:

“What’s my version of The Tall Cotton?”

Because legacy isn’t crafted in headlines - it’s grown over time, with faith and fidelity.