Darryl Milburn
{{Short description|American football player (born 1968)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Darryl Milburn
| number = 79, 78
| position = Defensive end
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|10|25}}
| birth_place = Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 3
| weight_lb = 260
| high_school = McKinley {{nowrap|(Baton Rouge, Louisiana)}}
| college = Grambling State
| draftyear = 1991
| draftround = 9
| draftpick = 231
| pastteams =
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|1991|1992}})
- Toronto Argonauts ({{CFL Year|1992|1993}})
- New Orleans Saints ({{NFL Year|1994}})*
- Arizona Cardinals (1994)*
- Anaheim Piranhas ({{AFL Year|1996|1997}})
- Tampa Bay Storm ({{AFL Year|1998}})
| statlabel1 = Games played
| statvalue1 = 2
| cflstatlabel1 = Games played
| cflstatvalue1 = 5
| cflstatlabel2 = Tackles
| cflstatvalue2 = 9
| cflstatlabel3 = Sacks
| cflstatvalue3 = 1.0
| aflstatlabel1 = Games played
| aflstatvalue1 = 15
| pfr = MilbDa20
| afl = Darryl_Milburn-1089
}}
Darryl Wayne Milburn (born October 25, 1968) is an American former gridiron football defensive end. He played college football for the Grambling State Tigers and was selected in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions; he appeared in two games for the team. Milburn played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in {{CFL Year|1992}} and {{CFL Year|1993}}, before spending time with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals in {{NFL Year|1994}}. He then moved on to the Arena Football League (AFL), playing for the Anaheim Piranhas in {{AFL Year|1996}} and {{AFL Year|1997}}, then as a member of the Tampa Bay Storm in {{AFL Year|1998}}.
Early life and education
Milburn was born on October 25, 1968, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerm/milb00200.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=Darryl Milburn Stats|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200018/https://www.profootballarchives.com/playerm/milb00200.html|url-status=live}} He attended McKinley High School and at 6 ft 3 in, 230 lb, played wide receiver and free safety.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120994864/the-times/|newspaper=The Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 28, 1990|page=23, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120995001/the-times/ 26]|author=McLain, Jim|title=GSU's Milburn keeps foes on the run|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200035/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120994864/the-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was recruited to various schools, including major teams such as Georgia Southern, LSU, Georgia, Alabama and Tulane, as well as his hometown college Southern. However, he chose to play for Grambling State, citing his liking of their coach Eddie Robinson.
Milburn began attending Grambling State University in 1987 and spent his first season with the Tigers playing tight end. However, he was told by coach Robinson that the team needed someone to rush the passer and Milburn began spending more time in the weight room training to play defensive end. He was able to increase his weight to 264 lb, grew two inches, and became one of the team's top defenders and highest regarded players.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996015/the-shreveport-journal/|newspaper=The Shreveport Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 31, 1990|page=36|title=Milburn, Tigers are enthusiastic|author=Weathers, William|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200037/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996015/the-shreveport-journal/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Despite his size, coaches still noted that he was among the top four fastest players on the team. Milburn graduated following the 1990 season.
Professional career
Milburn was selected in the ninth round (213th overall) of the 1991 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1991/draft.htm|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=1991 NFL Draft Listing|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=November 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102194618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1991/draft.htm|url-status=live}} He received a contract on July 11{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996746/omaha-world-herald/|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 11, 1991|page=28|title=NFL Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200017/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996746/omaha-world-herald/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} but was released on August 19.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996817/the-times/|newspaper=The Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 20, 1991|page=17|title=News not so good for area players|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996817/the-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Shortly thereafter, he was re-signed to the practice roster.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996963/edmonton-journal/|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 29, 1991|page=60|title=Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200018/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120996963/edmonton-journal/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Milburn spent the majority of the season there before receiving promotion for the final two games against the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997286/wisconsin-state-journal/|newspaper=Wisconsin State Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 15, 1991|page=36|title=Packers Preview|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200015/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997286/wisconsin-state-journal/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997459/the-buffalo-news/|newspaper=The Buffalo News|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 22, 1991|page=54|title=Bills-Lions Rosters|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200021/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997459/the-buffalo-news/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MilbDa20/gamelog/|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|title=Darryl Milburn Career Game Log|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200016/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MilbDa20/gamelog/|url-status=live}} He appeared in both games and also in their first playoff match-up against the Dallas Cowboys; he was inactive for the second, a loss to the Washington Redskins, due to a hamstring injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997621/fort-worth-star-telegram/|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 12, 1992|page=40|title=Detroit at Washington|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316200020/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997621/fort-worth-star-telegram/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Milburn became an unprotected free agent after the season{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997778/the-kansas-city-star/|newspaper=The Kansas City Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=February 2, 1992|page=152|title=Unprotected Free Agents|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316201636/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997778/the-kansas-city-star/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} and was later waived on August 25, 1992.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997897/the-salina-journal/|newspaper=The Salina Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 25, 1992|page=10|title=Detroit Lions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316201639/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120997897/the-salina-journal/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
In September 1992, Milburn was added to the practice roster of the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120998033/calgary-herald/|newspaper=Calgary Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 12, 1992|page=71|title=Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316201637/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120998033/calgary-herald/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was later activated and made his CFL debut on his 24th birthday, appearing in the Argonauts' loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120998439/national-post/|newspaper=National Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 26, 1992|page=50|title=Argo birthday boy's planning 'Peg party|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316201637/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120998439/national-post/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1992cfltor.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1992 Toronto Argonauts (CFL)|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316201652/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1992cfltor.html|url-status=live}} Following the game, Milburn was placed on the injury list;{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120998628/calgary-herald/|newspaper=Calgary Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 31, 1992|page=42|title=Player Moves|agency=The Canadian Press|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316201632/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120998628/calgary-herald/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} he did not appear in any further games for Toronto that season.
Milburn was released by Toronto at the start of July 1993 and afterwards returned as a member of the practice roster.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999028/national-post/|newspaper=National Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 3, 1993|page=42|title=Argos just a cut away|author=Zicarelli, Frank|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316203012/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999028/national-post/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} After the Toronto defense allowed 55 points in week seven against the BC Lions, Milburn was promoted to the active roster and was made a starter in an attempt to improve the team.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999210/the-province/|newspaper=The Province|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 16, 1993|page=39|title=Eye On The CFL|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316203011/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999210/the-province/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999430/the-daily-herald-tribune/|newspaper=The Daily Herald-Tribune|via=Newspapers.com|agency=The Canadian Press|date=August 18, 1993|page=13|author=Smith, Doug|title=Ham's run-and-shoot problems cured?|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316203010/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999430/the-daily-herald-tribune/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} After having appeared in four games, he was released on October 1.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999732/calgary-herald/|newspaper=Calgary Herald|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 2, 1993|page=8|title=Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316203014/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/120999732/calgary-herald/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Milburn finished his stint at Toronto with five total games played, nine tackles, including three for-loss, and one sack. His salary with the team was $60,000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000160/the-leader-post/|newspaper=The Leader-Post|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 31, 1994|page=56|title=CFL Players' Association 1993 Salary Survey|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205227/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000160/the-leader-post/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
Milburn was signed by the New Orleans Saints in 1994 but was waived on July 16.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000401/herald-and-review/|newspaper=Herald and Review|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 16, 1994|page=32|title=Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000401/herald-and-review/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Afterwards, he was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000488/arizona-daily-star/|newspaper=Arizona Daily Star|via=Newspapers.com|date=July 19, 1994|page=27|title=Cards sign linemen|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000488/arizona-daily-star/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} but was again waived on August 23.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000603/st-louis-post-dispatch/|newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 23, 1994|page=15|title=Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205230/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000603/st-louis-post-dispatch/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} Milburn joined the Anaheim Piranhas of the Arena Football League (AFL) in 1996, after spending a year out of football. He became one of their top linemen, helping the team lead the league in sacks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000831/tampa-bay-times/|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 9, 1996|page=62|title=Key matchups|author=Cotey, John C.|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205229/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121000831/tampa-bay-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} While appearing in all 14 games for the Piranhas, who reached the AFL playoffs, he posted seven sacks, made two pass deflections, recovered a fumble, and also caught two receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web|url=https://www.arenafan.com/players/Darryl_Milburn-1089/|website=ArenaFan.com|title=Darryl Milburn|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205238/https://www.arenafan.com/players/Darryl_Milburn-1089/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1996arflana.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1996 Anaheim Piranhas (Arena)|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205223/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1996arflana.html|url-status=live}} He appeared in one game for Anaheim in 1997 before being placed on injured reserve, having made one tackle and one reception for four yards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001343/the-stuart-news/|newspaper=The Stuart News|via=Newspapers.com|date=May 15, 1997|page=34|title=Transactions|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205228/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001343/the-stuart-news/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1997arflana.html|website=Pro Football Archives|title=1997 Anaheim Piranhas (Arena)|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205225/https://www.profootballarchives.com/1997arflana.html|url-status=live}} After the Piranhas folded, Milburn was selected by the Tampa Bay Storm in the AFL dispersal draft.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001545/tampa-bay-times/|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 18, 1997|page=62|title=Arena Football|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205225/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001545/tampa-bay-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}} He was placed on the injured reserve list prior to the regular season, however, and was released in December 1998.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001653/tampa-bay-times/|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 17, 1998|page=40|title=Notes|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205223/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001653/tampa-bay-times/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001739/the-californian/|newspaper=The Californian|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 1, 1998|page=8|title=Deals|access-date=March 16, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205230/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121001739/the-californian/|url-status=live}} {{Open access}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Lions1991DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Milburn, Darryl}}
Category:American football defensive ends
Category:American football safeties
Category:American football wide receivers
Category:American football tight ends
Category:Players of American football from Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Category:Grambling State Tigers football players
Category:Detroit Lions players
Category:Canadian football defensive linemen
Category:Toronto Argonauts players
Category:New Orleans Saints players
Category:Arizona Cardinals players