Ronald Darby, Philadelphia Eagles Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Former Eagles' surprising retirement reminds fans of 2017 postseason success

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles fans might have forgotten a key contributor on the 2017 Super Bowl champion team that helped bring home the Lombardi Trophy, but his recent retirement announcement is now sparking memories of glory.

On Monday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter had sources tell him that cornerback Ronald Darby has informed the Houston Texans of his retirement from the NFL. Darby played in the league for 10 seasons with seven teams.

Another retirement: Veteran CB Ronald 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. pic.twitter.com/ZC9RqbSqqv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 2, 2025

Darby entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2015. He was second in the voting for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year that same season. Darby also played for the Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

His longest tenured team though was with the Eagles where he played three seasons with. Darby helped the team in so many ways despite his short time in Philadelphia.

Looking back at three years of Darby play with Eagles

Darby was part of a trade where the Bills sent him to Philadelphia in exchange for wide receiver Jordan Matthews and a third-round pick. He would only play nine games during the regular season as he suffered an ankle injury that cost him half the season. Darby finished with a career-high three interceptions and batted down nine passes.

The Eagles leaned on him to be one of their top cornerbacks in the postseason run to the Super Bowl as he led the NFL in pass deflections in the playoffs with six. His contributions helped the Eagles win the franchise's first Super Bowl.

For the next two seasons, there was regression in Darby's play, but still was consistent for the team. He would unfortunately get injured in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, missing 12 games. Philadelphia would not re-sign Darby after the 2019 season, ending his three-year run with the Eagles.

His final stats with Philadelphia includes 114 tackles, 32 pass deflections, six interceptions, and two tackles for loss in 28 games. He will be remembered for his lack of durability as he in total missed 20 games with the Eagles.

Fans have to give credit to Darby for his postseason performance as he shut down the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs. Even with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throwing for over 500 yards in the Super Bowl, Darby still led the way with two pass deflections in the game.

Darby enters the next chapter of his life at 31 and Eagles fans won't forget what he helped the franchise accomplish.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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