Ronald Darby Retires: A Super Bowl Champion Hangs Up His Cleats

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ICARO Media Group
News
03/06/2025 02h52

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Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby is officially retiring from the NFL, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. Darby, last played for the Eagles in 2019 but was a crucial part of their historic Super Bowl-winning team in 2017.

Darby was acquired by the Eagles in a pivotal trade with the Buffalo Bills, during which Philadelphia sent Jordan Matthews and a 2018 third-round pick in exchange for Darby. This trade had a significant impact on the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. For one, it created an opportunity for Nelson Agholor to shine as a slot receiver, transforming what had previously seemed like a lackluster career. Additionally, it allowed Patrick Robinson to excel at nickel cornerback after struggling on the outside.

Despite playing only 11 games, including the playoffs, in the 2017 season due to injury, Darby made substantial contributions. He secured three interceptions and played a key role in one memorable play during the NFC Championship Game, where his block supported Robinson's sensational interception return for a touchdown. This moment helped ignite the Eagles’ emphatic 38-7 victory.

After leaving the Eagles, Darby joined the Washington Football Team in 2020 and spent two seasons with the Denver Broncos before returning to the East Coast with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. He later signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and, most recently, the Houston Texans in March 2024 before deciding to end his professional career.

Over his 10-season career, Darby started 113 games out of 124 played, earning around $42.5 million according to Over The Cap. Though he may not have been a fan favorite in Philadelphia, he will forever be remembered as part of the team's first Super Bowl triumph.

With Darby’s retirement, it brings to mind the question of how many players from the Eagles' Super Bowl LII team remain active in the NFL. Several of those champions are still set to play in the 2025 season, making Darby’s departure all the more poignant for Eagles fans and the broader NFL community.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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