History of Darren McFadden in Timeline

Darren McFadden is a former American professional football running back who played 10 seasons in the NFL. A standout at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2008. McFadden spent seven seasons with the Raiders before finishing his career with three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys. He was known for his speed and elusiveness, though his NFL career was somewhat hampered by injuries.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1949: First Person to Finish Second Since 1949

Darren McFadden was the first person since 1949 to finish second in Heisman voting in consecutive years.

1978: Vanderbilt's Record

Vanderbilt Commodores running back Frank Mordica set a record in 1978 against the Air Force Falcons

August 27, 1987: Darren McFadden's Birth

On August 27, 1987, Darren Deon McFadden was born. He later became a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

2004: High School All-American

In 2004, during his senior year at Oak Grove High School, Darren McFadden was named a Parade magazine high school All-American and the Arkansas High School player of the year for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He also received the Landers Award and was ranked among the top players nationally by Rivals.com.

2005: Freshman Season at Arkansas

In 2005, Darren McFadden's true freshman season, he rushed 176 times for 1,113 yards and 11 touchdowns for Arkansas Razorbacks.

December 6, 2006: Heisman Trophy Finalist

On December 6, 2006, Darren McFadden was named one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy, along with Troy Smith and Brady Quinn.

2006: Record-Breaking Season at Arkansas

In 2006, Darren McFadden rushed for a school-record 1,647 yards, scored 14 touchdowns, and threw for three more, becoming a first-team All-American, despite an early season toe injury.

January 1, 2007: Capital One Bowl Loss

On January 1, 2007, Arkansas lost to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl, finishing the season with a 10-4 record.

November 3, 2007: Ties SEC Single-Game Rushing Record

On November 3, 2007, Darren McFadden tied the Southeastern Conference single-game rushing record with 321 yards rushing against South Carolina.

December 6, 2007: Awards and Honors

On December 6, 2007, Darren McFadden was announced as the winner of the Walter Camp Award and as the winner of the Doak Walker Award.

December 2007: Sports Agent Accusations

In late December 2007, sports agent Mike Conley, Sr. was accused of purchasing a Cadillac Escalade for McFadden, but the report was later retracted.

2007: JaMarcus Russell Contract Holdout

Raider fears of a second consecutive contract holdout as was the case with quarterback JaMarcus Russell in 2007 made contract negotiations rapid.

January 1, 2008: Cotton Bowl Classic Loss

On January 1, 2008, after Arkansas lost to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl Classic, McFadden decided to declare for the 2008 NFL draft.

February 24, 2008: NFL Scouting Combine

On February 24, 2008, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Darren McFadden ran an official time of 4.33 seconds on the 40-yard dash.

March 6, 2008: Cover Athlete for NCAA Football 09

On March 6, 2008, Electronic Arts announced that Darren McFadden would be the cover athlete for the Xbox 360 version of NCAA Football 09.

September 14, 2008: First Professional Touchdown

On September 14, 2008, Darren McFadden scored his first professional touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, gaining 164 yards on 21 carries. He also suffered a toe injury in the game.

2008: Drafted by the Oakland Raiders

In 2008, Darren McFadden was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round as the fourth overall pick of the NFL draft after playing college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

2009: Career Low in Carries and Yardage

During the 2009 Oakland Raiders campaign, McFadden was bothered by injuries and had a career low in carries and yardage. He rushed for -2 yards in a game against the Houston Texans.

October 24, 2010: Four Touchdowns Against Denver Broncos

On October 24, 2010, against the Denver Broncos, McFadden carried the ball 16 times for 165 yards and three touchdowns, and recorded two receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. He became the fourth player in franchise history to have four touchdowns in a game and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

March 11, 2014: Oakland re-signed McFadden

On March 11, 2014, the Oakland Raiders re-signed Darren McFadden after not re-signing Rashad Jennings.

March 13, 2015: McFadden signed with the Dallas Cowboys

On March 13, 2015, Darren McFadden signed a two-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys worth up to $5.85 million including a $200,000 bonus, to replace DeMarco Murray.

June 2016: McFadden files lawsuit against business manager

In June 2016, Darren McFadden filed a $15 million lawsuit against his business manager, Michael Vick, alleging fraud and misappropriation of funds, including $3 million lost in a bitcoin-related business venture.

2016: Placed on reserve/NFI list.

In 2016, McFadden had surgery after breaking his right elbow in an off-field accident at his home during Memorial Day weekend, and was placed on the reserve/NFI list during the preseason.

November 28, 2017: McFadden retired from the NFL

On November 28, 2017, Darren McFadden announced his retirement from football after 10 seasons in the NFL.

2017: Retirement from NFL

Midway through the 2017 NFL season, McFadden retired from professional football.

January 21, 2019: McFadden Arrested for DWI

On January 21, 2019, Darren McFadden was arrested for drunk driving and resisting arrest in a Dallas-Fort Worth Whataburger parking lot after police found him asleep behind the wheel of a 2019 GMC Yukon.

December 2019: Enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame

In December 2019, Darren McFadden was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame.

2019: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2019, Darren McFadden was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

February 14, 2020: McFadden Pleads Guilty to DWI

On February 14, 2020, Darren McFadden pleaded guilty to DWI and was sentenced to four days in jail.

2020: McFadden's family life

As of 2020, Darren McFadden has five children with three different women and is now married.

May 18, 2023: McFadden's last drink

As of 2024, McFadden has spoken publicly about his past battle with alcohol addiction. May 18, 2023 was the date of his last drink.

April 2024: McFadden shares sobriety journey

In April 2024, Darren McFadden shared his recovery journey at the Wolfe Street Foundation Red Carpet Gala, speaking publicly about his past battle with alcohol addiction and celebrating his two years of sobriety. He considers his sobriety a life-changing decision, leading to greater happiness and pride in himself and his family.