| No. 91 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Defensive tackle | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born | (1974-08-25)August 25, 1974 (age 51) Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. | ||||
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | ||||
| Weight | 308 lb (140 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school | Craigmont (Memphis) | ||||
| College | Trinity Valley | ||||
| Supplemental draft | 1995: 3rd round | ||||
| Career history | |||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||
| |||||
Darren L. Benson (born August 25, 1974) is an American former professionalfootball player who was adefensive tackle for theDallas Cowboys of theNational Football League. He was selected by theDallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1995supplemental draft. He playedcollege football atTrinity Valley Community College.
Benson attendedCraigmont High School, where he played as adefensive tackle. He accepted a football scholarship fromArkansas State University. He didn't play in his first year because of failing to meet the grades requirements ofProposition 48.[1]
In 1993, he transferred toTrinity Valley Community College. As a freshman, he contributed to the team having an 11–1 record, while collecting 82 tackles and 10 sacks.
As a sophomore, he played a key role in the undefeated (12–0) 1994NJCA Championship team, posting 109 tackles (20 for loss) and 21 sacks.
Benson was selected by theDallas Cowboys in the third-round (1st overall) of the 1995supplemental draft, surrendering by rule an equivalent pick in the1996 NFL draft.[2][3] The Cowboys thought Benson had the athletic potential to develop into aLeon Lett type player. As a 21-year-old rookie, he was deactivated during the first half of the1995 season, until injuries on thedefensive line gave him a chance to have a reserve role throughout the second half of the season. Including pairing with Lett on thefield goal rush team. He finished with 4 defensive tackles.
In1996, he was having problems adjusting to the professional game and decided to quit the team duringmini-camp.[4] After he was convinced to return, he suffered torn anterior and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee during a practice and was placed on theinjured reserve list on August 20.[5]
In1997, he was deactivated in the first 3 games of the season. He was deactivated for the fifth game against theNew York Giants. He moved into thedefensive tackle rotation afterChad Hennings suffered a groin injury. He was declared inactive in five straight games after Hennings returned from his injury. He played in the season finale against theCincinnati Bengals and had 4 tackles. He recorded 7 tackles (one for loss) during the season.
In1998, he suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in the fourth preseason game against theSt. Louis Rams.[6] He was placed on theinjured reserve list on August 24.
In1999, he was released before the season started on September 6. He finished his career with 11 tackles (one for loss).[7]