Daryl Worley grew up just a few blocks from the Temple University Hospital in North Philly and was a staunch Philadelphia Eagles stan, even admitting that Eagles football was “all I knew for a long time.” Now, after jumping across 10 NFL franchises, including the Dallas Cowboys, in a nearly decade-long career dating back to when the Carolina Panthers traded up 16 spots in the third round of the 2016 Draft to secure him, Daryl Worley has officially hung up his cleats.
After a career spanning 99 regular-season games, the former Cowboys defensive back confirmed his retirement on social media with a highlight reel and a heartfelt caption.
“At 10 years old, my dad asked me what I was going to be when I grew up… Straight face, I told him an NFL player. To this day, I don’t know if I actually believed myself or if delusional confidence was in that 10-year-old body. But here we are, 10 years later; Plan A was the only plan that was ever needed. Who would’ve thought that lil North Philly kid would become what I am today? 10-year NFL Veteran, God’s Son, Husband, Father, Brother, and Friend.
“To the fans, I thank you for believing in the kid who was learning it all as he grew. To the cities, I thank you for always welcoming me with warm spirit. To my teammates, I’ll never be able to replace the bonds, friendships and brotherhoods we have made, know that yall can forever call me for anything.
“To my family, I owe yall the world. I could never replace the support, love and care yall gave me throughout my career. The lows, the highs, the heads down and the celebrations always felt worth it just to see the pride you all took to see WORLEY on the back of a jersey on Sundays. For that, I am forever in debt. From D Worl to the World, Forever Love.”
In April 2020, the America’s Team was in need of experienced DBs in their secondary. That’s when Daryl Worley signed with the team on a 1-year contract worth up to $3.5 million to give then-head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan additional depth.
Injuries to DBs Anthony Brown and Chidobe Awuzie, along with Jourdan Lewis, opened a door for Worley to step in. He played 7 games, started in 4, and accumulated 14 combined tackles during his time with the Cowboys.
Shy of 100 NFL appearances, Worley managed to log 344 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 QB hits while also intercepting 6 passes in his pro career. In his most recent pro season with the Tennessee Titans in 2024, he started 7 games, made 52 tackles, and picked off Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow in Week 15.
Worley’s journey started at William Penn Charter, where he made a name for himself before attending West Virginia University. Across 3 college seasons, he accumulated 146 combined tackles, 10 INTs, and 9.5 tackles for loss. This led to the Carolina Panthers picking him 77th overall in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
The 9-year NFL Journeyman also played with his childhood-beloved Eagles after a March 2018 trade for a month before they cut him following an arrest. He also made appearances for the Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and the Buffalo Bills in his career, and was also on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad for a brief period.
Following a short training camp stay with the Washington Commanders in August 2025, Worley closed his playing career to focus on life with his wife, Sierra, and their family of 3 kids.