National Football League

Team:       Arizona Cardinals
Position:   Defensive Tackle

Recent Plays

Founder, Happy Holidays with Nine-O

Playing For:

Happy Holidays with Nine-O

How He's in the Game

Darnell Dockett’s rough upbringing has given him the drive to succeed in the NFL, but it has also cemented his desire to reach out and help youth that face difficult circumstances. At the age of 13, his mother was murdered and less than a year later, his father died of cancer. With nowhere else to go, Darnell was forced to live with his uncle. Speaking about his past and his unlikely journey towards a pro-football roster, Dockett says, “I think my tough situation made me the person I am now. It made my drive higher than others’ and it’s why I get over things fast. I don’t walk around being mad at the world.”

In order to give back to his community, Dockett started “Happy Holidays with Nine-0,” a shopping spree for 50 underprivileged children at a local Toys R Us. Each child receives $100 to spend and they also have the opportunity to meet with Darnell and several of his teammates. He currently has plans to create a foundation to support single mothers and their children. He is also a regular participant in his team’s community outreach efforts, which have included visits to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Gompers Habilitation Center.

About Darnell Dockett

Darnell Dockett was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He had his breakout year during the 2007 season, in which he recorded 9 sacks in 16 starts. During college, he also set the Florida State University record for tackles for loss with 65. In 2010 he was selected to his first Pro Bowl.