Quick Facts
SagittariusBiography
Darryl Gerrod Hardy (born November 22, 1968) is a former American football linebacker who played three seasons in the National Football League with the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. He played college football at the University of Tennessee.
Early years
Hardy attended Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio, where he played center on the offensive line as a freshman. The next year he was moved to offensive tackle. As a senior he was an All-state offensive guard (weighing 185 pounds). In his final game, he got the opportunity to play outside linebacker and posted 4.5 sacks.
He accepted a scholarship from the University of Tennessee to play linebacker. He became a starter at outside linebacker as a sophomore and registered 18 tackles (fourth in school history) in one game against the University of Alabama. He finished his college career with 318 total tackles (14 for loss).
Professional career
Atlanta Falcons
Hardy was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the tenth round (270th overall) of the 1992 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 31, 1992. He was released on August 23, 1993.
Ottawa Rough Riders (CFL)
On April 7, 1994, he was signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. He was cut on July 4.
Dallas Cowboys (first stint)
In July 1994, he signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. He was released on August 3.
Arizona Cardinals
On August 27, 1994, he was waived and signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 20 and was declared inactive for the last game of the season. He was waived On October 2, 1995.
Dallas Cowboys (second stint)
On October 3, 1995, he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys and became a part of the team that won Super Bowl XXX, although he was deactivated for the game. He was cut on August 20, 1996. He was signed in 1997.
Seattle Seahawks
On December 10, 1997, he was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks. He played on special teams in the final two games of the season. The next year he failed to report to minicamp and told the Seahawks he was not sure if he wanted to continue playing football. He was released on June 10, 1998.