Daren Gilbert facts for kids

Daren K. Gilbert was a professional football player. He was an offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. Daren played in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons. He was born on October 3, 1963, and passed away on August 4, 2022. Before joining the NFL, Gilbert played college football at Cal State Fullerton. The Saints chose him in the second round of the 1985 NFL draft. Throughout his NFL career, Daren Gilbert played in 42 games.

Growing Up and School

Daren Gilbert was born in San Diego, California. As a kid, he enjoyed playing both football and soccer. He played as a right tackle and left tackle in football. An injury to his left hand when he was young helped him learn to use both hands well. This skill helped him play on both sides of the football line.

Daren went to Manuel Dominguez High School in Compton. After high school, he went to California State University, Fullerton. He joined their football team in 1981. By his second year, he became one of the starting offensive tackles. He continued as a starter in his third year. He was even named a second-team all-conference player.

Daren was a big player, weighing 285 pounds and standing six feet, six inches tall. People said he had "extremely quick feet" and was "very agile" for his size. This was likely because he played soccer when he was younger. In his final year, 1984, he was named a first-team all-conference player.

Playing in the NFL

The New Orleans Saints picked Daren Gilbert in the 1985 NFL Draft. He was the 38th player chosen overall, in the second round. This made him the highest-picked player ever from Cal State Fullerton. He was also the highest-drafted lineman from his college conference. Daren chose to play in the NFL instead of another league.

In his first year with the Saints (1985), Daren played as a backup. He helped out on both sides of the offensive line. He played in all 16 games that season.

In 1986, Daren played in nine games. He helped the Saints win seven games that year. After two years as a backup, Daren started playing as a regular starter in 1987. This happened because another player, Jim Dombrowski, was injured. Daren started five games as a left tackle that year. This was a special season for the Saints. It was their first time having a winning record, and they even made it to the playoffs!

Daren signed with the Saints again for the 1988 season. That year, he started six of the last seven games. This was also due to other players getting injured. Daren left the Saints in 1989 due to an injury.

Family Life

Daren Gilbert's son, Jarron, also played in the NFL. Jarron played from 2009 to 2011.

Daren Gilbert passed away in August 2022. He was 58 years old.