Long-Time Vet Ronald Darby Hangs Up the Cleats at 31

Veteran cornerback Ronald Darby has officially informed the Houston Texans of his decision to retire from the NFL. At 31 years old, Darby had signed a one-year contract with the Texans in March as a free agent following his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars. His unexpected retirement, therefore, leaves a noticeable gap in the depth and experience of Houston’s secondary.

Darby’s journey in the NFL began when he was selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills out of Florida State. His rookie season was impressive: he started 15 games, recorded two interceptions, and tallied 68 tackles, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. This early success set a strong foundation for a solid career.

One of the standout highlights of Darby’s career was his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was part of the Super Bowl LII-winning team. Unfortunately, his contribution that season was cut short in November due to a torn ACL, sidelining him during the crucial latter part of the season and postseason. Despite that setback, his role in the Eagles’ championship run remains a significant achievement.

Over the span of 10 NFL seasons, Darby played in 118 games across multiple teams, including the Bills, Eagles, Washington, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Jaguars. Throughout his career, he amassed eight interceptions, 106 passes defended, and 447 tackles—demonstrating consistent performance and versatility. His retirement marks the end of a commendable career, one defined by reliability, resilience, and professionalism at the highest level.