Ronald Darby’s Shocking Retirement Announcement Leaves Texans and Fans Searching for Answers

The curtain falls on Ronald Darby’s NFL journey, and I gotta say, it’s a moment that hits different. At just 31, the seasoned cornerback decided to hang up his cleats, telling the Texans he’s stepping away from the grind. This wasn’t just any player—Darby’s been a steadfast presence on the field since Buffalo picked him way back in 2015’s second round. From Buffalo to Philly, through Washington, Denver, Baltimore, Jacksonville, and finally the Texans, he’s clocked 118 games and made a solid 107 starts. Last season with the Jaguars alone, he was a near-constant, starting 12 games and snagging nine passes defensed, proof of his craftiness in coverage. He wraps up a career littered with 106 passes defensed and eight interceptions, not to mention that unforgettable Super Bowl LII victory with the Eagles in 2017—the pinnacle every player dreams of. It’s the end of an era, no doubt, and a time to reflect on the grit and glory that defined Darby’s time in the league. LEARN MORE

He’ll end his career with 106 passes defensed and eight interceptions. He won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles to cap the 2017 season.A veteran cornerback is hanging it up. Darby, 31, had signed a one-year deal with the Texans in March.Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ronald Darby has informed the Texans that he’s electing to retire. A Bills second-round pick in 2015, Darby has appeared in 118 games with 107 starts for Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington, Denver, Baltimore, and Jacksonville. Last season, he played 13 games with 12 starts for the Jaguars, recording nine passes defensed.