By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY PHOTO
Msgr. Edward Pace High Class of 2022 alum Shemar Stewart poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell holding his new Cincinnati Bengals jersey. Stewart was the 17th selection in the 2025 first round of the NFL draft, held April 24 at Lambeau Field in Greenbay, Wisconsin.
MIAMI| Former Monsignor Edward Pace High School student athlete Shemar Stewart cemented his name in history April 24, becoming the highest-ever National Football League (NFL) draft pick to come out of Pace and the Archdiocese of Miami (ADOM) in 2025. Stewart was selected 17th overall in the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals—an extraordinary milestone for both the school and South Florida football.
A proud member of Pace’s Class of 2022, Stewart was a Spartan through and through, dedicating four years to the program where he emerged as one of the most dominant high school players in the nation. Ranked a five-star recruit and courted by top Division I programs, Stewart ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic journey at Texas A&M University, where he quickly made a name for himself in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with his explosive play on the defensive line.
“Shemar was always a force on the field, but what set him apart was his commitment off the field—his leadership, humility, and love for his school and teammates,” said Tom Duffin, athletic director at Pace. “We knew he was destined for something special.”
At Texas A&M, Stewart continued to grow into a defensive powerhouse, combining athleticism with football IQ to dominate some of the toughest competition in college football. His performance caught the attention of NFL scouts early, and his first-round selection by the Bengals validates years of dedication and hard work.
“This is a moment not just for Shemar and his family, but for the entire Pace community,” said Melanie Otero, Dean of Academics at Pace. “He’s a living example of what faith, discipline, and perseverance can achieve.”
As the highest drafted player from an ADOM school to be selected this year, Stewart’s accomplishment resonates far beyond Pace’s halls, inspiring current and future student-athletes across the archdiocese and South Florida. From Spartan gold to Bengal stripes, Stewart’s journey is just beginning—but his legacy at Pace is already written in history.
