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{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1977)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL player
{{Infobox NFL player
|name=Darnell Dinkins
|name=Darnell Dinkins
|image=
|image=
|current_team =
|currentteam=Rutgers University
|currentposition=Tight ends coach
|position=[[Tight end]]
|number = 41, 80, 87, 89
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1977|1|20}}
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1977|1|20}}
|birth_place=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
|birth_place=[[Pittsburgh|Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
|heightft=6
|height_ft = 6
|heightin=4
|height_in = 4
|weight=260
|weight_lbs = 260
|high_school=[[Schenley High School|Schenley]] (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
|college=[[Pittsburgh Panthers football|Pittsburgh]]
|college=[[Pittsburgh Panthers football|Pittsburgh]]
|undraftedyear=2001
|undraftedyear=2000
|pastteams=
|debutyear=2002
⚫
* [[Pittsburgh Colts]] (2001)
|debutteam=New York Giants
|finalyear=2009
|finalteam= New Orleans Saints
|coachdebutyear=2010
|coachdebutteam= Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|pastteams=<nowiki></nowiki>
⚫
* [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] (2001)
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|2002}}–{{NFL Year|2003}})
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|2002}}–{{NFL Year|2003}})
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|2004}}–{{NFL Year|2005}})
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|2004}}–{{NFL Year|2005}})
* [[Cleveland Browns]] ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2008}})
* [[Cleveland Browns]] ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2008}})
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
|pastcoaching=
⚫
|highlights=<nowiki></nowiki>
* [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] (2010–2011)<br>Assistant tight ends
⚫
* Super Bowl Champion ([[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]])
* [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Rutgers]] (2012)<br>Tight ends
|statweek=17
⚫
|highlights=
|statseason=2008
⚫
* [[Super Bowl]] champion ([[Super Bowl XLIV|XLIV]])
|statlabel1=Receptions
|statlabel1=[[Reception (American football)|Receptions]]
|statvalue1=25
|statvalue1=30
|statlabel2=Receiving yards
|statlabel2=[[Receiving yards]]
|statvalue2=228
|statvalue2=250
|statlabel3=[[Touchdown]]s
|statlabel3=[[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
|statvalue3=3
|statvalue3=4
|nfl=DIN416978
|nfl=DIN416978
|pfr=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DinkDa00.htm}}
}}
'''Darnell Joseph Dinkins''' (born January 20, 1977 in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]) was most recently the tight ends coach for the [[Rutgers University]] [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Scarlet Knights football team]].<ref>http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2013/02/rutgers_names_ron_prince_offen_1.html</ref> Dinkins was formerly an [[American football]] [[tight end]] for the [[New Orleans Saints]] in the [[National Football League]]. He played [[college football]] at the University of [[Pittsburgh Panthers football|Pittsburgh]].


'''Darnell Joseph Dinkins''' (born January 20, 1977) is a former [[American football]] coach and [[tight end]]. He played [[college football]] at the University of [[Pittsburgh Panthers football|Pittsburgh]]. In the [[National Football League]] (NFL), Dinkins played for the [[New York Giants]], [[Baltimore Ravens]], [[Cleveland Browns]], and [[New Orleans Saints]]. He was most recently the tight ends coach for the [[Rutgers University]] [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Scarlet Knights football team]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2013/02/rutgers_names_ron_prince_offen_1.html|title = New Rutgers offensive coordinator Ron Prince wants unit to be more flexible|date = February 20, 2013}}</ref>
Dinkins also played for the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], [[New York Giants]], [[Baltimore Ravens]] and [[Cleveland Browns]].


==Early years==
==Early years==
A standout quarterback and linebacker at [[Schenley High School]] in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], Dinkins was named City League MVP by both the [[Pittsburgh Post Gazette]] and the [[Pittsburgh Courier]] and a member of the 1995 Big 33 Team. As a senior he rushed for 435 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries and threw 113 passes for 1,256 yards and ten touchdowns. On defense, he had 86 tackles, three knockdowns, four sacks and four fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown).
A standout quarterback and linebacker at [[Schenley High School]] in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], Dinkins was named City League MVP by both the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' and the ''[[Pittsburgh Courier]]'' and a member of the 1995 Big 33 Team. As a senior, he rushed for 435 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries and threw 113 passes for 1,256 yards and ten touchdowns. On defense, he had 86 tackles, three knockdowns, four sacks and four fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown).


==College career==
==College career==
Dinkins attended the [[University of Pittsburgh]] as an undergraduate. He started at free safety for three years while at Pittsburgh and also saw time at wide receiver and linebacker for the Panthers. He started all 11 games at free safety, finishing second on the team with 78 tackles (49 solo) in 1998, also posting six pass deflections, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble. Dinkins started his career with the Panthers as a quarterback before shifting to the defensive backfield.
At the [[University of Pittsburgh]] as an undergraduate, Dinkins played for [[Pittsburgh Panthers football]] from 1996 to 1998 after redshirting the 1995 season.<ref name="NFL Europe">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021219172134/http://www.nfleurope.com/fire/playerprofiles/2002/dinkins.html|archive-date=December 19, 2002|title=DJ Dinkins|url=http://www.nfleurope.com/fire/playerprofiles/2002/dinkins.html|publisher=NFL Europe|access-date=October 10, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dinkins played at quarterback and wide receiver in 1996. Then in 1997 and 1998, he started at free safety. He started all 11 games in 1998 at free safety, finishing second on the team with 78 tackles (49 solo), also posting six pass deflections, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.<ref name="NFL Europe"/> Dinkins sat out what would have been his senior season in 1999 after injuring his back during fall camp.<ref name="gets his shot">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020202052209/https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other/20020131dinkins4.asp|archive-date=February 2, 2002|title= Pro Football: Dinkins gets shot at NFL |url=https://old.post-gazette.com/sports/other/20020131dinkins4.asp|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=January 31, 2002|url-status=dead|access-date=October 10, 2020}}</ref>


==Semi Professional Career==
==Semi-pro career==
Dinkins played for the Pittsburgh Colts, a minor league football team in North American Football League in 2001. He attended a pro workout in the Minneapolis Metrodome on September 15, 2001. The workout led to a contract with an arena football team, after which he was signed by the New York Giants and allocated to the Rhein Fire.
While working as a juvenile probation officer for [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania]], Dinkins played for the Pittsburgh Colts, a minor league football team in North American Football League in 2001.<ref name="hard work">{{cite web|last=Dulac|first=Gerry|url=https://old.post-gazette.com/sports/pitt/20020817dinkins7.asp|title= Pro Football: Hard work, hitting make Dinkins hit of the Giants' camp |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=August 17, 2002}}</ref>


==Professional career==
==Professional career==

===New York Giants===
===New York Giants===
In 2002, Dinkins was signed by the [[New York Giants]] as a free agent and was allocated to [[NFL Europe]] where he played for the [[Rhein Fire]]. When he returned to the Giants, he saw action in two games, missing the final 13 games after breaking a bone in his foot. He was inactive for games 4-7 before being placed on [[injured reserve]]. He made his NFL debut against the [[San Francisco 49ers]] on September 5, 2002.
On February 6, 2002, Dinkins signed with the [[New York Giants]] as a free agent. Nearly two weeks later, he was allocated to the [[Rhein Fire (NFL Europe)|Rhein Fire]] of [[NFL Europe]].<ref name="Saints">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304080202/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx|archive-date=March 4, 2010|title=Darnell Dinkins|url=http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx|publisher=New Orleans Saints|access-date=October 10, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> When he returned to the Giants, he saw action in two games, missing the final 13 games after breaking a bone in his foot. He was inactive for games 4-7 before being placed on [[injured reserve]]. He made his NFL debut against the [[San Francisco 49ers]] on September 5, 2002.


In 2003, Dinkins saw action in seven games after being signed to the Giants active roster from the practice squad in week 10. He finished the season with two receptions for 16 yards and eight special teams tackles.
In 2003, Dinkins saw action in seven games after being signed to the Giants active roster from the practice squad in week 10. He finished the season with two receptions for 16 yards and eight special teams tackles.
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In 2008, Dinkins caught his second career touchdown, with 2:15 left in the second quarter during the Week 6 game against the defending [[Super Bowl]] Champions, the [[New York Giants]]. He caught a 22-yard pass from quarterback [[Derek Anderson (American football)|Derek Anderson]] while filling in for injured tight end [[Kellen Winslow II|Kellen Winslow]]. It was his first reception of the 2008 campaign.
In 2008, Dinkins caught his second career touchdown, with 2:15 left in the second quarter during the Week 6 game against the defending [[Super Bowl]] Champions, the [[New York Giants]]. He caught a 22-yard pass from quarterback [[Derek Anderson (American football)|Derek Anderson]] while filling in for injured tight end [[Kellen Winslow II|Kellen Winslow]]. It was his first reception of the 2008 campaign.

⚫
In late 2008, Dinkins, with fellow Browns player [[Joshua Cribbs]], opened a children's indoor inflatable play arena called Bounce City, which is located in [[Strongsville, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cantonrep.com/article/20100204/News/302049756|title=Dinkins to Browns: Pay Cribbs|last=Doerschuk|first=Steve|date=February 4, 2020|work=The Repository|place=Canton, Ohio|access-date=October 10, 2020}}</ref>


===New Orleans Saints===
===New Orleans Saints===
Dinkins signed with the [[New Orleans Saints]] on March 18, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2009/03/new_orleans_saints_agree_to_de_1.html|title=New Orleans Saints agree to deal with free agent tight end Darnell Dinkins|last=Triplett|first=Mike|date=2009-03-18|publisher=Nola.com|accessdate=2009-03-18}}</ref> Dinkins may be best remembered for his touchdown catch against the Patriots on Monday Night Football on November 30, 2009.
Dinkins signed with the [[New Orleans Saints]] on March 18, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2009/03/new_orleans_saints_agree_to_de_1.html|title=New Orleans Saints agree to deal with free agent tight end Darnell Dinkins|last=Triplett|first=Mike|date=March 18, 2009|publisher=Nola.com|access-date=March 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321023929/http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2009/03/new_orleans_saints_agree_to_de_1.html|archive-date=March 21, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Dinkins may be best remembered for his touchdown catch against the Patriots on Monday Night Football on November 30, 2009.

==Broadcasting==
⚫
Dinkins broadcast the [[Pittsburgh Power]] of the [[Arena Football League]] on 93.7 The Fan, Pittsburgh's CBS Radio station.<ref>http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/05/28/arena-football-preview-power-vs-vigilantes/</ref>

Dinkins married his high school sweetheart, Shayla, and has three children, Kayla, Khalil and Kolin

Dinkins acquired a college degree in criminology{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} and works to educate local youth in desperate situations. In 2003, he spoke with children from public school MS 45 about gang prevention on behalf of NYPD Youth Services, visited youth incarcerated at the Union County (N.J.) Juvenile Detention Center, and twice visited Giants Academy in Newark to praise the academic effort of the students. In 2004, Dinkins created his own foundation to host the annual Darnell Dinkins Maleness to Manhood football camp, with the goal of involving parents in the teaching of leadership, responsibility, integrity and teamwork to inner-city Pittsburgh youth

Dinkins has served as a professor for both Football 101 and 201 programs, and attended the annual "Meet the Giants" [[Ronald McDonald House]] dinner. He also led walkers on behalf of the Autism Directory Service in [[Poughkeepsie (city), New York|Poughkeepsie, New York]].


==Post-playing career==
⚫
In late 2008, Dinkins, with fellow Browns player [[Joshua Cribbs]], opened a children's indoor inflatable play arena called Bounce City, which is located in [[Strongsville, Ohio]].
In 2010 and 2011, Dinkins served as assistant tight ends coach for the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] under head coach [[Raheem Morris]]. Then in 2012, Dinkins was tight ends coach at [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Rutgers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scarletknights.com/football/coaches/dinkins.asp |title=Rutgers Football - Darnell Dinkins |access-date=August 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815145334/http://scarletknights.com/football/coaches/dinkins.asp |archive-date=August 15, 2012 }}</ref>


⚫
Also in 2011, Dinkins was a color commentator for the [[Pittsburgh Power]] of the [[Arena Football League]] on [[KDKA-FM]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2011/05/28/arena-football-preview-power-vs-vigilantes/|title = Arena Football Preview: Power vs. Vigilantes|date = May 28, 2011}}</ref>
==Coaching==
Dinkins served as tight ends coach at Rutgers University in 2012, after serving as an assistant tight ends coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010 and 2011.
<ref>http://www.scarletknights.com/football/coaches/dinkins.asp</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
*[http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/player.php?id=490 Cleveland Browns bio]
*[http://neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx New Orleans Saints bio]
{{Super Bowl XLIV}}
{{Super Bowl XLIV}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Dinkins, Darnell
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Player of American football
| DATE OF BIRTH = January 20, 1977
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dinkins, Darnell}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dinkins, Darnell}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Pittsburgh]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Big 33 Football Classic alumni]]
[[Category:American football tight ends]]
[[Category:American football tight ends]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football players]]
[[Category:Schenley High School alumni]]
[[Category:Schenley High School alumni]]
[[Category:Undrafted National Football League players]]
[[Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players]]
[[Category:New York Giants players]]
[[Category:New York Giants players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
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[[Category:New Orleans Saints players]]
[[Category:New Orleans Saints players]]
[[Category:Rutgers Scarlet Knights football coaches]]
[[Category:Rutgers Scarlet Knights football coaches]]
[[Category:Super Bowl champions]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaches]]

Revision as of 05:00, 10 November 2023

Darnell Dinkins
No. 41, 80, 87, 89
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1977-01-20) January 20, 1977 (age 47)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:260 lb (118 kg)
Career information
High school:Schenley (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
College:Pittsburgh
Undrafted:2000
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:30
Receiving yards:250
Receiving touchdowns:4
Player stats at PFR

Darnell Joseph Dinkins (born January 20, 1977) is a former American football coach and tight end. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. In the National Football League (NFL), Dinkins played for the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints. He was most recently the tight ends coach for the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights football team.[1]

Early years

A standout quarterback and linebacker at Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dinkins was named City League MVP by both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Pittsburgh Courier and a member of the 1995 Big 33 Team. As a senior, he rushed for 435 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries and threw 113 passes for 1,256 yards and ten touchdowns. On defense, he had 86 tackles, three knockdowns, four sacks and four fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown).

College career

At the University of Pittsburgh as an undergraduate, Dinkins played for Pittsburgh Panthers football from 1996 to 1998 after redshirting the 1995 season.[2] Dinkins played at quarterback and wide receiver in 1996. Then in 1997 and 1998, he started at free safety. He started all 11 games in 1998 at free safety, finishing second on the team with 78 tackles (49 solo), also posting six pass deflections, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.[2] Dinkins sat out what would have been his senior season in 1999 after injuring his back during fall camp.[3]

Semi-pro career

While working as a juvenile probation officer for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Dinkins played for the Pittsburgh Colts, a minor league football team in North American Football League in 2001.[4]

Professional career

New York Giants

On February 6, 2002, Dinkins signed with the New York Giants as a free agent. Nearly two weeks later, he was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe.[5] When he returned to the Giants, he saw action in two games, missing the final 13 games after breaking a bone in his foot. He was inactive for games 4-7 before being placed on injured reserve. He made his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers on September 5, 2002.

In 2003, Dinkins saw action in seven games after being signed to the Giants active roster from the practice squad in week 10. He finished the season with two receptions for 16 yards and eight special teams tackles.

Baltimore Ravens

Dinkins was waived by the Giants at the end of the training camp in 2004 and was signed by the Baltimore Ravens on October 2, 2004 to their practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on October 29, 2004. He played in ten games, starting four (the first starts of his career), in his first year with the Ravens. He was a key contributor for Baltimore as he pulled in nine receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. He scored his first career touchdown on a 17-yard pass from Kyle Boller versus the Dallas Cowboys on November 21.

In 2005, his second season with the Ravens, Dinkins appeared in all 16 games, including four starts, and totaled 55 yards on six receptions (9.2 avg.).

Cleveland Browns

Dinkins was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an unrestricted free agent on March 19, 2006. He played in 14 games with two starts and averaged seven yards per reception and one touchdown. He is known more for his size and blocking than his receiving ability.

Although not starting a single game in 2007 for the first time in four years, he appeared in a total of 15 games. His offensive totals for the season were one reception for eight yards (8.0 avg., which he recorded in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The only game in which he did not see action was the Week 6 game against the Miami Dolphins.

In 2008, Dinkins caught his second career touchdown, with 2:15 left in the second quarter during the Week 6 game against the defending Super Bowl Champions, the New York Giants. He caught a 22-yard pass from quarterback Derek Anderson while filling in for injured tight end Kellen Winslow. It was his first reception of the 2008 campaign.

In late 2008, Dinkins, with fellow Browns player Joshua Cribbs, opened a children's indoor inflatable play arena called Bounce City, which is located in Strongsville, Ohio.[6]

New Orleans Saints

Dinkins signed with the New Orleans Saints on March 18, 2009.[7] Dinkins may be best remembered for his touchdown catch against the Patriots on Monday Night Football on November 30, 2009.

Post-playing career

In 2010 and 2011, Dinkins served as assistant tight ends coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach Raheem Morris. Then in 2012, Dinkins was tight ends coach at Rutgers.[8]

Also in 2011, Dinkins was a color commentator for the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League on KDKA-FM.[9]

References

  1. ^ "New Rutgers offensive coordinator Ron Prince wants unit to be more flexible". February 20, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "DJ Dinkins". NFL Europe. Archived from the original on December 19, 2002. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  3. ^ "Pro Football: Dinkins gets shot at NFL". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. January 31, 2002. Archived from the original on February 2, 2002. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  4. ^ Dulac, Gerry (August 17, 2002). "Pro Football: Hard work, hitting make Dinkins hit of the Giants' camp". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  5. ^ "Darnell Dinkins". New Orleans Saints. Archived from the original on March 4, 2010. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  6. ^ Doerschuk, Steve (February 4, 2020). "Dinkins to Browns: Pay Cribbs". The Repository. Canton, Ohio. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  7. ^ Triplett, Mike (March 18, 2009). "New Orleans Saints agree to deal with free agent tight end Darnell Dinkins". Nola.com. Archived from the original on March 21, 2009. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
  8. ^ "Rutgers Football - Darnell Dinkins". Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  9. ^ "Arena Football Preview: Power vs. Vigilantes". May 28, 2011.
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