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Former FSU Star, National Champion Works Out For Minnesota Vikings In Search Of New Team

Originally posted on FanNation NoleGameDay
By Dustin Lewis | Last updated 8/4/23

Training camps around the NFL are continuing to progress with most teams preparing for their first preseason game. At this point, the bumps and bruises are starting to accumulate and there have been some injuries across the league. That has some clubs exploring the possibility of bringing in extra help.

The Minnesota Vikings worked out veteran cornerback Ronald Darby on Thursday, according to the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling. Darby was actually the second former Florida State star that the Vikings are looking into. The team also brought in running back Jacques Patrick for a workout.

Darby is coming off an ACL tear that he suffered last October. He's been working his way back from the injury over the last couple of months. Darby has also earned interest from the Houston Texans as he looks for a new team.

The former second-round pick is gearing up for his ninth year at the professional level. He's spent time with the Buffalo Bills (2015-16), Philadelphia Eagles (2017-19), Washington (2020), and the Broncos (2021-22) during his career. He was a member of the Eagles when the team defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Despite dealing with two ACL tears since 2018, Darby has totaled 373 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, eight interceptions, and 90 pass deflections in the NFL.

The Maryland native played out his college career at Florida State under former head coach Jimbo Fisher. Darby made an immediate impact as a blue-chip prospect, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after breaking up seven passes in 2012.

Darby recorded two interceptions the following year in the Seminoles' dominant run to a victory in the final BCS National Championship. He capped off his time in Tallahassee with 43 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and four pass breakups in 2014 as FSU appeared in the inaugural College Football Playoff.

Minnesota is searching for depth after second-year cornerback Andrew Booth was injured a couple of days ago. If healthy, Darby could provide a veteran presence on a roster that is still looking to compete for a postseason berth in 2023.