At a Glance
Hometown: Camden, New Jersey (born August 12, 1975) College: Syracuse University Donovin was highly recruited by several prestigious universities as a defensive back from Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden, New Jersey. He chose to attend Syracuse University where he lettered in football and track. As a football player, he was a two time Big East All-Conference defensive back. In track, he lettered in indoor and outdoor hurdles. Before graduating in 1997, Darius recorded more tackles than any other Syracuse defensive back in school history (379). He graduated with a degree in exercise science and a minor in coaching. Donovin continued his education at Jacksonville University in 2006. He earned his MBA in 2007. NFL Experience: Darius was a first-round draft pick in 1998 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. There had not been a defensive back chosen higher by the Jaguars before they chose Donovin with the 25th overall pick. He quickly grew into one of the most respected strong safeties in the NFL. Darius is especially known for his big heart and aggressive style of play, particularly when he hospitalized Green Bay Packer wide receiver Robert Ferguson in 2004 after delivering a viscous tackle. After the incident, Donovin portrayed his value upon sportsmanship when he visited Ferguson in the hospital to apologize and offer encouragement. In 2005, Darius sustained a season ending injury that ended his consecutive start streak at 37 games. Subsequently, he was placed on injured reserve and was later released by the Jaguars. At the time of Donovin’s departure in Jacksonville, he and All-Pro running back Fred Taylor had been with the Jaguar franchise longer than any other active player. Donovin was also a member of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) for twelve seasons. He served eight years as a player representative and four years as the NFLPA vice president. In 2009, Donovin was one of seven members re-elected to remain on the NFLPA executive committee.In 2010, he took part in the NFL’s inaugural Career Transition Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Management. The program was initiated in order to assist NFL players during the transition into a successful career after football. During the four day course, participants are educated about finance, health, communication skills and creating a personal brand image.On March 1, 2011, Darius signed a one day ceremonial contract to retire as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bio
Career Bio: PLAYER: Syracuse University (1993-1998), Jacksonville Jaguars (1998-2006), Oakland Raiders (2007), Miami Dolphins (2007) Career Highlights: • Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Man of the Year• Jacksonville Hometown Hero Award• Pro Bowl Alternate (2002)• Pro Bowl Alternate (2001)• 2nd Team All-Pro (1999, Football Digest)• Named to Syracuse University’s All-Century Team (November, 1999)• NFL All-Rookie Team (1998)• Collegiate Football All-America Team (1997)• Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1997)• First-Team All Big East (1996)• First-Team All Big East (1995) Family Bio: When NFL fans hear about Donovin Darius, they think about one of the hardest hitters in the league. When Donovin makes a decision and goes after it with all his heart, it is going to be done and done well. When it came to getting out of the most violent neighborhood in America to attend college on a football scholarship, Donovin mustered his God-given strength to make it happen. As passionate as Donovin is about football, it does not even compare to his role as a husband and father. He met his wife Alemnesh on campus at Syracuse University and he knew right away she was his bride to be. She was dressed in all white, “his angel" he called her. Alemnesh was a single mother at the time and Donovin admired her strength and grace. They married and Donovin became the father and friend to her child. Donovin and Alemnesh currently have four children: Zakee, Symone, Rachel and Dominique and they believe that embracing them, affirming them and spending time with them are priorities. Donovin personally enjoys going through books with his kids and praying with them. He is in constant awe that God has blessed him with wonderful children and is looking forward to what they will become.
Volunteer:
• Donovin worked as a student liaison in the Pleasanton Unified School District where he helped middle school minority students improve upon their individual standardized testing results. The focus was on motivating students about academics in order to prepare them for future success. • As a philanthropist for Champion Merchant Services (CMS), Donovin partnered with Youthlifeline of America to educate America’s youth through arts, athletics and entertainment. CMS is a 100% non-profit charity and offers payroll services to businesses at a discounted rate. (November, 2009)• Darius served on the resource development committee at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
Business:
• In 2010, Donovin established Next Level Training and Performance (NLT&P). As the owner and professional coach, Donovin’s main focus is getting high school athletes to college, college athletes to the NFL, and NFL athletes to All-Pro caliber. Next Level develops athletes personally and athletically through a variety of camps and clinics. The training method is a holistic approach, individually designed for each athlete in order to maximize potential and results. Additionally, Next Level offers motivational speaking seminars - in corporate, school and ministry environments - to empower other’s inner-strength. Website Link: http://www.mynextleveltraining.com/
Additional Information:
• In May 2010, Donovin partnered with former NFL teammate Hardy Nickerson to pursue a coaching position in high school football. He accepted an opportunity to coach defensive backs at Bishop O. Dowd High School in Oakland, California. • Darius was a high school track coach at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California. At Foothill, he served as the head sprint coach from March 2008 - May 2010.
