Darren Sharper is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was born on November 3, 1975, in Richmond, Virginia, and attended William & Mary College, where he played college football for the Tribe.
Sharper was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played for the Packers for eight seasons, from 1997 to 2004, and was a key member of the team's defense during that time. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times and was a first-team All-Pro selection twice.
In 2005, Sharper signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent. He played for the Vikings for four seasons, from 2005 to 2008, and continued to be a dominant force on defense. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice during his time with the Vikings.
After leaving the Vikings, Sharper played for the New Orleans Saints for two seasons, from 2009 to 2010. He was a key member of the team's defense during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2009, and was named to the Pro Bowl and the All-Pro team that year.
Throughout his career, Sharper was known for his ability to intercept passes and make big plays on defense. He finished his career with 63 interceptions, which ranks him seventh on the NFL's all-time list. He also scored 13 touchdowns on interceptions, fumble recoveries, and blocked kicks.
However, Sharper's career was marred by controversy off the field. In 2014, he was arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape and other sexual offenses in several states. He eventually pleaded guilty to drugging and raping multiple women and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Despite his criminal actions, Sharper's football career remains a notable one. He was a dominant force on defense for multiple teams and was recognized as one of the best safeties in the NFL during his playing days. However, his criminal actions have tarnished his legacy and serve as a reminder of the importance of holding athletes accountable for their actions both on and off the field.
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