Stanback attended Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.

Following high school, Stanback accepted a football scholarship from the University of Washington.

Stanback's quarterback duties were limited to late-game situations versus Indiana and Idaho.

On the season Stanback caught ten passes for 143 yards, leading the team with a 14.3 average per reception.

In 2004, in the seventh game against number one ranked USC, he became just the second African-American to start at quarterback for the University of Washington (Warren Moon was the first one).

He finished the year on a high note, coming off the bench to complete five of eight passes for 100 yards in the Apple Cup against Washington State, including connecting with Craig Chambers for a 39-yard scoring play and rushing for one touchdown.

Stanback was named the Sports Radio 950 KJR Most Outstanding Offensive Player at the team's postseason banquet.

He also, had a good day vs. #1 USC, completing 14-of-18 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown, while also scoring on a run.

He was sixth at the West Regional meet at Brigham Young University, missing an NCAA Championships berth by just .02 seconds.

His 100-meter best ranks third all-time among Washington football players who have competed in track (Ja'Warren Hooker, 10.18; Sterling Hinds, 10.27).

Stanback was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (103rd overall) in the 2007 NFL draft.

[4] Despite playing mostly as a quarterback in college, he was drafted with the intention of being converted into a wide receiver.

On September 5, 2009, he was waived after being passed on the depth chart by undrafted rookie Kevin Ogletree and struggling with injuries during his time with the team.

[5] On September 6, 2009, Stanback was signed to the practice squad of the New England Patriots as a quarterback.

[6] On November 14, he was promoted to the active roster, when the Patriots placed rookie wide receiver Brandon Tate on injured reserve.

[10] On September 3, 2011, he was placed on injured reserve again, and released with an injury settlement on October 8.

[12] On December 4, 2012, he was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad and converted into a tight end.

[15] Stanback was a part of the WWE Performance Center at Full Sail University in Florida, training to become a wrestler.

He made an appearance on Netflix's Ultimate Beastmaster as a contestant for Team America, failing the second obstacle in the first round, which resulted in him placing last.

Stanback and his wife Natalie’s oldest daughter, Nadia, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in April 2015 at the age of three.