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St. John's guard Dylan Darling's father is former NFL linebacker James Darling
James Darling played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Eagles, Jets, and Cardinals after a standout college career at Washington State.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:10am
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St. John's guard Dylan Darling made a game-winning buzzer-beater layup against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament, and it was revealed that his father is former NFL linebacker James Darling. James Darling played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals after a successful college career at Washington State, where he was a two-time All-Pac-10 selection and second-team All-American.
Why it matters
Dylan Darling's heroics in the NCAA Tournament have thrust his family into the spotlight, and his father's NFL background adds an interesting angle to the story. James Darling's decade-long NFL career shows that athletic talent runs in the Darling family.
The details
James Darling was drafted in the second round (57th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1997 NFL Draft. He played for the Eagles from 1997 to 2000, the Jets from 2001 to 2002, and the Cardinals from 2003 to 2006. In his 10-year NFL career, Darling recorded 398 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles. His best season came in 2004 with the Cardinals when he had 93 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
- James Darling was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1997 NFL Draft.
- Darling played for the Eagles from 1997 to 2000.
- Darling played for the New York Jets from 2001 to 2002.
- Darling played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2003 to 2006.
- Dylan Darling made a game-winning buzzer-beater layup for St. John's against Kansas in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
The players
Dylan Darling
A redshirt junior guard for the St. John's Red Storm who hit a game-winning buzzer-beater layup against Kansas in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
James Darling
Dylan Darling's father, who played 10 seasons in the NFL as a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals after a standout college career at Washington State.
What they’re saying
“knew that name sounded familiar”
— New York Jets, Twitter account
The takeaway
Dylan Darling's game-winning shot in the NCAA Tournament has brought his family's athletic pedigree into the spotlight, as his father James Darling enjoyed a successful 10-year NFL career as a linebacker after starring at the college level. The Darling family's combination of basketball and football talent demonstrates the depth of their athletic abilities.
