Notable Seminole Birthday: All-American Darnell Dockett Turns 45
Born May 27, 1981, Darnell Dockett was a mainstay in defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews’ Florida State football defenses of the early-2000s. He celebrates his 45th birthday today!
A native of Maryland, Darnell Dockett spent five years as a member of the Florida State football program from 1999 to 2003. After appearing in just one game for FSU's 1999 national title team, Dockett was a 4-year starter for the Seminoles.
As a redshirt freshman in 2000, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Dockett was recognized as a second-team All-ACC performer and Freshman All-American after recording 66 tackles, 19 for loss and seven sacks as FSU won the ACC and reached a third straight national title game. As a redshirt sophomore in 2001, Dockett earned first-team All-ACC honors, recording 68 tackles, 22 for loss and two forced fumbles.
After a quiet 2002 season by his lofty standards, Dockett capped his career by being named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2003 and an All-American by multiple outlets, including a first-teamer by College Football News. Dockett finished the year with 55 tackles, 17 for loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles as FSU won its 11th ACC title in 12 years.
Selected in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Dockett spent the entirety of his 10-year NFL career with Arizona. A 3-time Pro Bowl selection, Dockett missed just two games for his entire career and started 156 of a possible 160 contests. He finished his career with nearly 500 tackles, 90 for loss, 40.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 14 recoveries, four interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
During the 2008 season, Dockett helped the Cardinals reach the Super Bowl for the first time ever. Although Arizona dropped a 27-23 heartbreaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII, Dockett finished with three sacks.
