Stanley Lambert’s Second Chance: From Setback to Stardom at Ferris State

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State defensive lineman Stanley Lambert doesn’t shy away from his past. In fact, he believes owning it is the very reason he’s standing where he is today — as one of the most productive and respected defenders in the GLIAC.

Lambert’s path to Ferris State was anything but conventional. A former Arizona State athlete and rising prospect, his career was abruptly paused in 2022 after a life-altering car accident.

“I was an upcoming rising athlete, but unfortunately my career was put on hold,” Lambert said. “I’m usually very straightforward about it — it was a DUI accident. I was ultimately cleared and the charges were dropped because I didn’t cause the accident, but the repercussions were real.”

Those repercussions included being expelled from ASU and stepping away from football entirely. For two years, Lambert had no pads, no game days, and no guarantees he would ever return to the sport he loved.

“After that, I had to sit out and really work on myself,” he said. “Taking accountability was the first step of becoming a man. At one point in my life, I lost everything — and I lost myself.”

That self-reflection eventually led Lambert to Ferris State University, a program that offered him something far more valuable than a roster spot: belief.

“Ferris State gave me an opportunity, and I took it and ran with it,” Lambert said. “I wanted to show people who I actually am.”

The transition back to football wasn’t easy. His first season in Big Rapids tested him physically and mentally as he adjusted after time away from the game.

“My first year was difficult,” Lambert admitted. “Being back took a lot out of me. I had to sacrifice time with my family to have the season I’m having now.”

That sacrifice paid off.

As a senior, Lambert emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the conference. He finished the season as a top-two sack leader in the GLIAC, earned Second Team All-Conference honors, and was recognized as a conference player of the year nominee, anchoring a Ferris State defense known for its physicality and depth.

“I worked hard, I had patience, and I gave everything to God to be where I need to be,” Lambert said. “I’m more than grateful for the man I’ve become.”

On the field, Lambert’s combination of power, technique, and relentless effort made him a consistent problem for opposing offenses. Off the field, his leadership and accountability reshaped his reputation.

“I’m not about status or who I’m connected to,” he said. “Because at one point, I had nothing. This year was everything I worked for finally coming true.”

Lambert’s journey has also drawn attention from scouts who’ve attended Ferris State practices, learning not just about his playmaking ability, but the character forged through adversity.

“If anyone wants, they can contact my coaches,” Lambert said. “They’ll vouch for my character and what kind of man I am. I know I have a chance — I just need someone to believe in me and help me get there.”

At Ferris State, belief has already changed the course of Stanley Lambert’s life. Now, with his senior season defining both his legacy and his future, he’s proving that second chances — when met with accountability, faith, and relentless work — can lead to something even greater than the original dream. And it ended with another championship.