Father Time is undefeated as far as professional sports go, eventually forcing all players to retire no matter how good they were in their prime. The Philadelphia Eagles aren't an exception to Father Time's wrath even after winning Super Bowl 59 in February, proven by star pass rusher Brandon Graham's retirement at the start of the offseason.
Eagles fans have even been forced to watch some of the franchise's former players hang up their cleats this offseason, including ex-wideout Julio Jones. On Monday, another ex-Philadelphia standout's name was added to the 2025 NFL retirement list.
Former Eagles CB Ronald Darby Announces NFL Retirement on Monday
Former Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby is the latest standout player to retire from football this season.
"Darby, who played 10 seasons and helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII, informed the Houston Texans that he is retiring from the NFL, per sources," ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Monday afternoon.
Eagles fans will remember Darby from his three seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, which includes the aforementioned Super Bowl 52 victory. The former Florida State Seminole was originally a 2015 second-round pick by the Buffalo Bills but was traded to the Eagles during the 2017 offseason in exchange for wideout Jordan Matthews and a 2018 third-rounder.
Despite being stricken by injuries throughout his Eagles tenure, Darby still managed to amass 103 solo tackles, 32 broken-up passes, and six interceptions in 28 games. He was even Pro Football Focus' 22nd-ranked CB during the 2017 campaign with an overall defense grade of 78.3.
After leaving Philadelphia for Washington in 2020, Darby has since also played games with the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Oxon Hill, MD native signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Texans shortly after the current free agency period opened, but two months ended up being enough time for Darby to reconsider his decision.
Assuming there aren't any future comeback attempts, Darby finished his NFL career with 381 solo tackles, 106 disrupted passes, eight INTs, and a forced fumble in 118 games played with six franchises. He also made his impact felt in six playoff games, which includes leading the 2017-18 postseason with six swatted-down passes.
Darby may not have ever been the best player at this position; however, that won't stop Eagles fans from fondly remembering the now-retired CB as a key piece of one of the best seasons in franchise history.