Darwin Walker

Darwin Jamar Walker (born June 15, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2000 NFL draft. He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.

In Walker's nine years in the NFL, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears. He now works for Fox 29 in Philadelphia as a pre- and post-game analyst for the Philadelphia Eagles. Walker, a civil engineer, is on the board of directors for Pennoni & Associates, an engineering consulting firm.

Early life Walker went to Walterboro High School in South Carolina and was a letterman in football and track and field. He also set the state record in shot-put, throwing over 63 feet, which has been subsequently broken by 1 inch. Further, he graduated 4th in his 4A High School class.

Football career College football Walker attended North Carolina State University for one year and later transferred to the University of Tennessee, where he won a National Championship with the Tennessee Vols in 1998. During his senior season in 1999, Walker had 39 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

Professional football

Arizona Cardinals Walker was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 71st overall pick in the third round of the 2000 NFL draft, but was released before playing a game.

Philadelphia Eagles Subsequently, Walker was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2000 season. The Eagles later signed him to a long-term deal. He played with the Eagles through the 2006 season.

Buffalo Bills He was then traded on March 26, 2007 (along with a conditional 2008 draft pick) to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Takeo Spikes and quarterback Kelly Holcomb. However, there was a proviso to that trade stating that if Walker did not report to Bills training camp by August 5, 2007, he would be returned to the Eagles in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2008. He reportedly held out for a contract extension and never reported to Buffalo's training camp that year.

Chicago Bears On July 29, 2007, the Buffalo Bills traded Walker's rights to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 5th round draft pick in 2008 (which Buffalo later traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Marcus Stroud) (the Bears were in need of a defensive tackle after having waived troubled defensive lineman Tank Johnson in the 2007 offseason).

Carolina Panthers On April 28, 2008, he signed with the Carolina Panthers.

Career statistics Year Games Tackles Solo Tackles Deflects Sacks Forced Fumbles Interceptions Int Yards Touchdowns 2001 10 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2002 16 33 28 2 7.5 2 0 0 0 2003 16 42 37 5 6 0 0 0 0 2004 8 15 12 2 1 1 0 0 0 2005 13 25 21 0 3 1 0 0 0 2006 16 36 27 4 6 1 1 6 0 2007 11 17 12 0 1 0 0 0 0 2008 10 10 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 Career 108 197 154 14 28.5 5 1 6 0