Highlighted Year: Thom Darden, 1978

Safety, Cleveland Browns

Age: 28

7^th season in pro football (6^th active) & with Browns

College: Michigan

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 193

Prelude:

Darden played all of the positions in the defensive backfield during three varsity college seasons and he intercepted 11 passes, three of which were returned for touchdowns, the longest covering 92 yards. He received All-American recognition from four organizations as a senior and was chosen by the Browns in the first round of the 1972 NFL draft (18^th overall). Darden moved directly into the starting lineup at strong safety and played well, intercepting three passes, as well as returning punts. He was shifted to free safety, where his speed could be better utilized, and intercepted 8 passes in 1974 in addition to returning a fumble for a TD. However, Darden missed the entire 1975 season due to a major knee injury suffered in the preseason that required surgery. He came back strong in ’76 to intercept 7 passes and had 6 in 1977, one of which he ran back for a score.

1978 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 10 [1]

Most interceptions, game – 2 at Atlanta 9/17, at Pittsburgh 9/24, vs. Buffalo 10/29

Int. return yards – 200 [1]

Most int. return yards, game – 46 (on 2 int.) at Atlanta 9/17

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 2

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-AFC: Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Browns went 8-8 to finish third in the AFC Central.  

Aftermath:

Darden played another three seasons with the Browns, through 1981. Good in pass coverage, he was also capable against the run. He ended up intercepting 45 passes, making him Cleveland’s career leader, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He also returned 45 punts for a 6.3-yard average. His Pro Bowl selection in 1978 was the only one of his career, although he did receive second-team All-NFL honors from the Pro Football Writers in 1976 and the Associated Press in ’79.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970