Age: 28
7th
season in pro football (6th 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 (18th 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:
1st
team All-NFL: PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly
2nd
team All-NFL: AP
1st
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.
--
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
