Darnell Dockett is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on May 27, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Florida State University, where he played college football for the Seminoles.
Dockett was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a dominant force on the Cardinals' defensive line, earning a reputation as one of the league's most disruptive interior linemen. Over the course of his career, Dockett recorded 40.5 sacks, 291 tackles, and seven forced fumbles.
Dockett was a three-time Pro Bowler, earning the honor in 2007, 2009, and 2010. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 2009, and a second-team All-Pro in 2007 and 2010. In addition to his individual accolades, Dockett was a key contributor to the Cardinals' success during his tenure with the team.
One of the most memorable moments of Dockett's career came in Super Bowl XLIII, when he intercepted a pass from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and returned it for a touchdown. Although the Cardinals ultimately lost the game, Dockett's interception was a highlight of the contest.
In 2015, Dockett signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but he was released by the team before the start of the regular season due to concerns about his health. He subsequently announced his retirement from the NFL in July of that year.
Off the field, Dockett has been involved in a number of charitable endeavors throughout his career. He established the Darnell Dockett Foundation in 2008, which focuses on providing educational opportunities and resources to underprivileged youth in the Phoenix area. He has also been a vocal advocate for animal rights, and has worked with organizations such as PETA to promote animal welfare.
Overall, Darnell Dockett was a dominant force on the defensive line during his NFL career, earning recognition as one of the league's top interior linemen. His contributions to the Arizona Cardinals helped the team achieve success during his tenure, and his interception in Super Bowl XLIII remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.
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