Darnell Dinkins

Darnell Dinkins, is a 6'4", 260 lb. Tight End (number 80) for the New Orleans Saints. He went to Schenley High School and played in the quarterback position. He was named City League MVP by both the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Pittsburgh Courier. He went to the University of Pittsburgh studying criminology. He initially went as a quarterback, then changed to the defensive backfield. In 2001, Dinkins began his professional career with the semi-professional team, Pittsburgh Colts. He signed as a free agent in 2002 with the New York Giants and was allocated to the NFL Europe. He played 2 games before breaking his foot. In 2003, Dinkins played for the Giants. In 2004, after being waived by the Giants, he played for the Baltimore Ravens, scoring his first career touchdown against Dallas. In 2005, he played in all 16 games, with 4 starts. From 2006 until 2008, he played for the Cleveland Browns. In 2006, he started in 14 games and was sidelined for 2 games because of a hamstring injury. In March of 2009, he signed with New Orleans as an Unrestricted Free Agent. http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx

Dinkins is particularly involved with youth programs. In 2004, he began his own foundation hosting the annual Darnell Dinkins Maleness to Manhood football camp. He has often spoke to children regarding gang participation, visited incarcerated youths, and visited the Giants Academy in Newark, to praise their academic achievements. He has also been active in the Habitat for Humanity during his football career. http://darnelldinkins.org/IFRAME-bio.htm

He has three children, Kayla, Khalil and Konin. http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx

Related Mahalo Pages: Super Bowl XLIV|New Orleans Saints|Baltimore Ravens|Cleveland Browns|Habitat for Humanity|New York Giants

Dinkins signed with the New Orleans Saints in March, 2009, as an unrestricted free agent. He has been plagued all season from a foot injury. He missed the first 6 games of the season, and for the entire season, he has only had 5 receptions for a total of 22 yards. In the Nov. 30 game against the New England Patriots, he had one reception for 2 yards which resulted in a touchdown.

Dinkins did not play in Super Bowl, XLIV, but was ready to step in for fellow Tight Ends, Jeremy Shockey and David Thomas, if need be. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4302

Dinkins appeared in 14 games (2 starts) in his third year with the Cleveland Browns. For the season, he had 5 receptions for 41 yards. In the game against the New York Giants on Oct. 13, he had a 22 yard touchdown reception. He also had 5 special team tackles. http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx

Dinkins appeared in 15 games with the Browns, but only had one reception for 8 yards. The emphasis of his play was shifted to blocking and he was an asset on special teams with 7 tackles and a 19 yard kick return. He was sidelined for 1 game due to a hand injury. http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Team/Roster/People/Darnell%20Dinkins.aspx