When it was time for Stanley Pritchett to hang up his professional football cleats after the 2004 season, he had a transition plan.

The Atlanta native and Frederick Douglass High graduate decided to get into coaching on the high school level. He recently received his certification to teach social studies.

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Falcons fullback Stanley Pritchett spikes the ball after scoring a touchdown at the Georgia Dome in this November 28, 2004, photo.

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"My whole family has been in education," said Pritchett, the oldest son of longtime educators. "My mom was a teacher for 34 years. She just retired this past April. My dad was in education and an administrator for over 30 years. I guess education just runs in my blood."

His father, Dr. Stanley Pritchett, is currently the acting president at Morris Brown College.

Pritchett, 34, the former fullback with the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears and the Falcons over nine NFL seasons, coached at Douglass last season. He was the Astros' offensive coordinator.

Douglass recently named a new head football coach and Pritchett, who was also a candidate, doesn't know if he'll be retained as an assistant.

"It was fun coaching at Douglass," Pritchett said. "I have a lot of pride because I went to that school. I can relate well to the players as students and athletes."

While he didn't land the head coaching job, Pritchett still is preparing for becoming a head coach at the high school level. He previously coached at Redan High School.

"Oh definitely, I think I'm ready to be a head coach," Pritchett said. "I think I'll get a head job one day."

Before current Cleveland Browns standout Jamal Lewis and Clemson University star James Davis, Pritchett was the big-name Douglass High running back. He signed with the University of South Carolina as a tight end, but was moved to fullback as a sophomore. His combination of speed, power and soft hands led to the move.

He went on to a standout career at South Carolina, totaling 2,139 all-purpose yards in three seasons (1993-95) for the Gamecocks.

In 1995, Pritchett helped the Gamecocks end the so-called "Chicken Curse" when they defeated West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl for the school's first postseason win in 102 years. Pritchett scored on a key 1-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter as the Gamecocks held on for a 24-21 victory.

"I remember that like it was yesterday," Pritchett said. "It was the school's first bowl win. I'm very proud of that accomplishment."

After being selected in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, Pritchett went on to star in the league for nine seasons.

Used mostly as a lead blocker and a pass-catching back, Pritchett developed a solid reputation for his football skills.

Early in his days with the Dolphins, he paved the way for running back Karim Abdul-Jabbar to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 1996.

After four years in Miami, Pritchett played a season with the Philadelphia Eagles and three seasons with the Chicago Bears, before ending his career with the Falcons in 2004.

Over his career, Pritchett rushed for 549 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 162 passes for 1,244 yards and eight touchdowns, and returned kickoffs at times in the league.

"My most memorable moment in football was playing with Dan Marino after 1996 when I got drafted by the Dolphins," Pritchett said. "To meet a legend like him, to get to play with him and get to know him was special."

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