Darren Hughes

Professional career Hughes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 12th round, with the 313th overall pick, of the 1991 NFL draft as a wide receiver. He became a free agent after the season and re-signed with the Vikings. He totaled six receptions for 32 yards, one interception, and one sack for the Glory during the 1992 WLAF season.

Hughes played in 11 games for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1993 as a defensive halfback, recording 40 defensive tackles, eight special teams, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery. He was a wide receiver/defensive back during his time in the AFL as the league played under ironman rules. The Pharaohs finished the year with a 6–6 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Tampa Bay Storm. He played in seven games for the Pharaohs during the 1996 season, catching 30 passes for 431 yards and ten touchdowns while also posting solo tackle. Hughes played in five games for the Rage that year, accumulating 12 receptions for 116 yards and four touchdowns, 11 solo tackles, and two assisted tackles. On November 26, 1996, Hughes, Arnold Campbell, and Pierre Hixon were traded to the Florida Bobcats for Fran Papasedero. Hughes appeared in 11 games for the Bobcats in 1997, totaling 21 catches for 253 yards and three touchdowns, 17 solo tackles, five assisted tackles, two interceptions, and one pass breakup as Florida finished 4–10. He played in 13 games during the 1998 season, recording 26 receptions for 348 yards and seven touchdowns, 41 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and 16 kick returns for 306 yards. He appeared in 13, games for the second straight season in 1999, catching 53 passes for 677 yards and six touchdowns while also totaling 26 solo tackles, six assisted tackles, one interception, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Hughes played in 13 games for the Bobcats for the third consecutive season in 2000, accumulating 20 receptions for 195 yards and one touchdown, 18 solo tackles, four assisted, one interception, and three pass breakups.

On December 19, 2000, it was reported that Hughes had signed with the Los Angeles Avengers of the AFL. He was placed on injured reserve on April 9, 2001, and later activated on May 15.