History of Darron Lee in Timeline

Darron Lee is a former American football linebacker who played in the NFL. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State. Throughout his career, he was also a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. Lee's career highlights include his time with the Jets after being a high draft pick.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 18, 1994: Darron Lee's Birth

On October 18, 1994, Darron Lee was born. He later became a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

2006: NFL Combine Record Reference

In 2016, at the NFL Scouting Combine, Lee's 11’1” broad jump was noted as the third best performance by a linebacker since 2006, highlighting his exceptional athletic ability.

2012: Track and Field Personal Bests

In 2012, Darron Lee achieved personal bests in track and field, including 7.23 seconds in the 60-meter dash and a 5'10" high jump during the indoor season. He also secured the 200-meter title with a time of 22.21 seconds and was part of the gold-winning 4x400 relay team at the District Running Event during the outdoor season.

2013: Medical Redshirt

In 2013, Darron Lee played in two games as a true freshman before sustaining an injury, resulting in a medical redshirt.

2013: Track and Field Limited Season

In 2013, Darron Lee's indoor season was limited to focus on football training. During the outdoor season, he finished third in the 100 meters at the Central District III Meet with a personal best time of 11.06 seconds.

2014: Switched to Linebacker

In 2014, after his redshirt freshman season, Darron Lee transitioned to linebacker and became a starter.

2015: Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl

In 2015, Darron Lee was named the Defensive MVP of the Sugar Bowl after recording seven tackles and two sacks.

January 2, 2016: Declared for the 2016 NFL Draft

On January 2, 2016, Darron Lee announced his decision to enter the 2016 NFL draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility.

March 11, 2016: Participated at Ohio State's Pro Day

On March 11, 2016, Darron Lee participated at Ohio State's pro day, focusing on positional drills after solidifying his combine numbers. He also had pre-draft visits with multiple teams and was projected as a first-round pick by NFL draft experts.

July 27, 2016: Signed with the New York Jets

On July 27, 2016, Darron Lee signed a four-year, $10.22 million contract with the New York Jets, including $7.92 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $5.63 million.

September 25, 2016: Recorded Half a Sack Against the Chiefs

On September 25, 2016, during Week 3, Darron Lee recorded six combined tackles and was credited with half a sack in a 24–3 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.

October 22, 2016: Erin Henderson Placed on Non-Football Injury List

On October 22, 2016, Erin Henderson was placed on the Non-Football Injury list, leading to Darron Lee starting six consecutive games to end the season.

2016: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2016, Darron Lee was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL draft.

June 4, 2017: Involved in Verbal Altercation

On June 4, 2017, Darron Lee was involved in a verbal altercation with a woman at the Governors Ball Music Festival. Leonard Williams intervened to restrain him.

December 3, 2017: Suspended by the Jets

On December 3, 2017, Darron Lee was suspended for one game by head coach Todd Bowles for being late to practice, causing him to miss the Jets’ Week 13 victory against the Chiefs.

May 3, 2019: Jets Declined Fifth-Year Option

On May 3, 2019, the Jets declined the fifth-year option on Darron Lee's contract, making him a free agent in 2020.

May 15, 2019: Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

On May 15, 2019, Darron Lee was traded from the Jets to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2020 sixth-round draft pick.

March 2020: Became a Free Agent

In March 2020, Darron Lee became a free agent.

September 10, 2020: Suspended by the NFL

On September 10, 2020, Darron Lee was suspended for the first four weeks of the 2020 NFL season.

November 2, 2020: Signed to Buffalo Bills' Practice Squad

On November 2, 2020, Darron Lee signed with the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.

2020: Free Agency

In 2020, Darron Lee was set to become a free agent after the Jets declined the fifth-year option on his contract in May 3, 2019.

2020: Chiefs Draft Pick

In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs received a sixth-round draft pick as part of the trade that sent Darron Lee from the Jets to the Chiefs on May 15, 2019.