The Buffalo Bills saw high turnout at the beginning of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) last week.
Quarterback Josh Allen even showed up for practice, despite just getting married to actress Hailee Steinfeld at San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California over the weekend.
As NFL teams gear up for mandatory veteran training camps later this month — scheduled for June 10-12 for Allen and the Bills — former Buffalo starting cornerback Ronald Darby unexpectedly announced his retirement at the age of 31.
The Bills Selected Ronald Darby in the 2nd Round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Traded Him to the Eagles in 2017
Buffalo selected Ronald Darby with the 50th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. A Florida State product, Darby played a key role in the Seminoles’ 2013 national title and was the seventh cornerback drafted that year. As a rookie, he earned a starting spot opposite Stephon Gilmore under then-head coach Rex Ryan and was named AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 193 pounds, Darby ended his rookie season with 68 total tackles (61 solo), 21 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, finishing second in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2016, Darby recorded a career-best 69 total tackles (60 solo) along with 12 passes defensed. After the Bills brought in head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier in 2017, Darby was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, Buffalo acquired wide receiver Jordan Matthews, cornerback E.J. Gaines, a 2018 third-round pick, and a second-round pick from the Rams. As part of that broader deal, the Rams received wide receiver Sammy Watkins and a 2018 sixth-round selection from the Bills.
The trade was unexpected, as Darby had been projected to start alongside 2017 first-round pick Tre’Davious White. Despite dislocating his ankle in his Eagles debut, Darby returned by Week 10 and played a key role in helping Philadelphia capture its first Super Bowl title with a victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Ronald Darby Signed a $2.5 Million Contract With the Houston Texans This Offseason
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On Monday, June 2, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that veteran cornerback Ronald Darby, a 10-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl LII champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, has decided to retire. According to sources, Darby informed the Houston Texans of his decision to step away from the game.
After three seasons with the Eagles, Darby’s career saw him play for several teams, including a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders, followed by two seasons with the Denver Broncos. He later joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.
In his most recent season, Darby played in 13 games and started 12 of them, recording 46 total tackles (36 solo) and nine pass breakups.
Darby had appeared ready to continue his career in 2025, having signed a one-year, \$2.5 million deal with the Texans earlier this offseason. His sudden retirement came as a surprise to many fans, who nonetheless praised his decade-long career.
News 4 Buffalo’s Justin Siejak shared a tribute on social media: “Shoutout Ronald Darby on a fruitful 10-year career in the league, that’s not easy to do at all. His time in Buffalo was really fun! Salute 🫡.”
