He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft, with whom he spent two seasons.

He finished his career second all-time in passing yards and touchdowns in Iowa football history.

Stanley was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round with the 244th overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft.

[12] He was waived by the Vikings during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, and was signed to the practice squad the next day.

[16] On April 29, 2023, Stanley confirmed that he was retired from football and would focus on teaching the sport rather than playing.