Tennessee football’s 10 DTs with best NFL careers
839. 1997-1999. Years in NFL: 9. player. Darwin Walker. 4. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Teams played for:
- Arizona Cardinals, 2000
- Philadelphia Eagles, 2000-2006
- Chicago Bears, 2007
- Carolina Panthers, 2008-2009
One of the reasons Tennessee football won the national title in 1998 was the upgrade to Darwin Walker at defensive tackle. A transfer from the N.C. State Wolfpack, Walker was a backup in 1997. He then became a two-year starter and thrived, securing 13 sacks those final two years and 32 tackles for a loss along with 92 total tackles, 46 each year.
With his play, Walker was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the NFL Draft. However, he was released after appearing in just one game and then claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s where his career took off.
In 2001, Walker appeared in 10 games. He then became a full-time starter at 6’3″ 294 pounds in 2002 and was a regular fixture in the Andy Reid/Donovan McNabb era. Walker was crucial to every NFC Championship game the team reached during that one, and he helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2004. He also helped them reach the playoffs without McNabb in 2006.
After a solid career in Philly, Walker joined the Chicago Bears in 2007, and he finished his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2008. He was on the team’s payroll in 2009 but didn’t play. Still, Walker had a solid decade-long career.
Throughout his time in the pros, Walker had 84 starts and appeared in 109 games. His stat line included 212 total tackles, 167 of which were solo, to go along with 28.5 sacks, 66.5 tackles for a loss six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.