Former Jaguars safety Donovin Darius has signed a one-day contract with the team in order to retire as a Jaguar. Darius, 35, played for the Jaguars from 1998-2006 and played in three games with the Miami Dolphins in 2007.
A first-round draft choice of the Jaguars in 1998 from Syracuse, Darius started in all 115 games in which he played for the Jaguars, including four seasons in which he started all 16 games. His 115 games played still ranks 10th in Jaguars history, and his 115 starts is the third-most among defensive players. Darius is one of only nine players to play nine or more seasons as a Jaguar.
Darius finished his Jaguars career with 14 interceptions, 858 total tackles, 553 solo tackles, two sacks, seven forced fumbles, six fumbles recovered, and 13 special teams tackles. His final season of 2006 was cut short after 10 games when he suffered a broken leg.
Today Darius' 14 interceptions still rank third in team history, while his 20 takeaways and 858 tackles rank second. Darius averaged more than 100 tackles in his first seven seasons, and he led the team in interception in 2004 with a career-high five.
A native of Camden, N.J., Darius was active in the Jacksonville community throughout his playing career. He founded the Donovin Darius Children's Foundation, conducted annual youth football skills camps, spoke often at area schools, and participated in many charitable organizations and events.
