Not all NFL careers end with a dramatic sendoff, and that seems to be the case for veteran cornerback Ronald Darby.
While fans might have been expecting to see him in a Texans uniform this fall, reports now suggest that Darby is stepping away from the game—for good.
Texans Deal Was Short-Lived
Just under three months ago, Darby signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans.
It looked like the 10-year vet still had gas in the tank and was gearing up for at least one more season in the NFL.
But according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Darby has now told the team that he plans to retire, bringing a decade-long professional journey to a close.
From Buffalo to Philly—and a Super Bowl Ring
Darby entered the league in 2015 as a second-round pick, going 50th overall to the Buffalo Bills.
After spending his first two seasons there, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles—where he’d eventually earn a place in franchise history.
Though he battled injuries in Philly, Darby proved to be a reliable presence in the secondary when healthy.
He was on the field helping the Eagles take down Tom Brady and the Patriots in that unforgettable Super Bowl LII victory.
A Journeyman’s Final Years
Following his Super Bowl win, Darby’s career took him across the league.
He spent the next five seasons with a carousel of teams: the Washington Commanders, the Denver Broncos (who gave him a three-year, $30 million contract), and then one-year stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last season, he actually started 12 games for the Jags, showing he could still contribute—but it seems he’s now ready to call it a career.
No Official Word Yet from Darby
As of now, Darby hasn’t made a public statement about his decision to retire.
But if the reports are true, he walks away from the game with a Super Bowl ring, 10 solid seasons, and an estimated $43 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac.
Not a bad run at all.
