Darez Diggs is an American former football player who became widely known because of his connection to one of the most recognizable football families in the United States. Born Mar’Sean Diggs, he is also known publicly as Darez Diggs and is the brother of NFL stars Stefon Diggs and Trevon Diggs. Although his brothers went on to establish major careers in the National Football League, Darez followed a different football path that included high school football, junior college, UAB football, and a short professional stint with the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL.
His story is interesting because it combines athletic ability, family influence, college football success, professional football opportunities, and considerable public attention outside the sport. Darez was not simply known because he belonged to the Diggs family. He developed his own identity as a defensive back and built a football résumé that included strong performances at Iowa Western and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
As interest in the Diggs family has grown, many people search for information about Darez Diggs, including his age, real name, football career, college history, siblings, professional career, and current status. This guide brings those details together in one place while separating established facts from information that has sometimes been reported inconsistently online.
Who Is Darez Diggs?
Darez Diggs is the public name of Mar’Sean Diggs, an American football player from Washington, D.C. He was born on December 18, 1995, and developed his football career primarily as a defensive back and safety.
Unlike his brothers Stefon and Trevon, Darez did not build a long-term career in the NFL. However, he reached the professional level through the XFL, playing for the Los Angeles Wildcats during the league’s 2020 season.
His football background began in Washington, D.C., where he played at Friendship Collegiate Academy. He later continued his development at Iowa Western Community College before transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, commonly known as UAB.
At UAB, Darez played safety and became a significant contributor in the defensive secondary. His college career included interceptions, tackles, forced fumbles, and starts against major opponents.
His connection to the Diggs family naturally attracted additional attention. His older brother Stefon became an elite NFL wide receiver, while his younger brother Trevon established himself as a highly regarded NFL cornerback. Darez’s journey therefore became part of a larger story about a family that produced multiple high-level football players.
Darez Diggs Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Mar’Sean Diggs |
| Known as | Darez Diggs |
| Date of birth | December 18, 1995 |
| Age in 2026 | 30 years old |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Sport | American football |
| Primary position | Safety / Defensive back |
| High school | Friendship Collegiate Academy |
| Junior college | Iowa Western Community College |
| University | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| UAB position | Safety |
| Professional team | Los Angeles Wildcats |
| Professional league | XFL |
| Famous siblings | Stefon Diggs and Trevon Diggs |
| Professional NFL career | No NFL regular-season career |
The name Mar’Sean Diggs is particularly important when researching Darez because official football records frequently list him under that name rather than Darez Diggs.
Darez Diggs Real Name and Name Variations
One reason people sometimes struggle to find accurate information about Darez Diggs is that his public name and athletic records do not always use the same name.
Darez Diggs is widely known as Darez, but his football records identify him as Mar’Sean Diggs. UAB records, XFL records, and several football databases use Mar’Sean Diggs when documenting his playing career.
This means searches for “Darez Diggs football,” “Mar’Sean Diggs football,” and “Darez Diggs UAB” can lead to information about the same player.
Understanding this name variation is important because otherwise it can appear as though two different athletes are being discussed. In reality, Mar’Sean Diggs and Darez Diggs refer to the same person in the context of the Diggs family and football career.
Darez Diggs Age and Birthday
Darez Diggs was born on December 18, 1995. As of 2026, he is 30 years old.
His birth year also helps explain his position within the Diggs family. Stefon Diggs was born in 1993, while Trevon Diggs was born in 1998. Darez therefore falls between the two in age.
His birthday is December 18, placing him among the younger members of the family compared with Stefon while making him older than Trevon.
Age is one of the most frequently searched details about Darez Diggs because many people first discover him through his relationship with his NFL brothers. His age also provides useful context for understanding the timeline of his football career, from high school to college and then the XFL.
Where Was Darez Diggs Born?
Darez Diggs was born in Washington, D.C., where he also developed his early football background.
Washington, D.C. played an important role in the development of the Diggs brothers. The area provided the foundation for their early athletic experiences before their football careers took them to different colleges and professional opportunities.
Darez attended Friendship Collegiate Academy, also referred to in football records as Edison-Friendship Academy. The school became an important part of his development as a defensive player.
His high school years helped establish the athletic foundation that eventually allowed him to compete at the college level.
Darez Diggs Early Life and Football Background
Football became an important part of Darez Diggs’ life at an early age. Growing up in the Diggs family meant that competitive sports and football were already deeply connected to the family’s identity.
His father, Aron Diggs, played an important role in introducing football to his children. The family later experienced a major loss when Aron died in 2008 from congestive heart failure.
That loss had a major effect on the Diggs family. Stefon, as the oldest brother, became an important source of guidance for his younger siblings. The relationship between the brothers remained influential as they continued developing their football careers.
Darez’s early athletic development eventually led him to Friendship Collegiate Academy, where he established himself as a promising football player.
During his senior season, his team won a city championship. That achievement helped strengthen his profile as he prepared to continue his football career beyond high school.
Darez Diggs High School Football Career
Darez played high school football at Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C.
His high school career demonstrated the athletic versatility that later became a defining part of his football background. He was capable of contributing in the defensive secondary and developed the physical skills required for college football.
His senior team achieved a city championship, giving him an important team accomplishment before he moved to the next level.
High school football was especially significant for Darez because it placed him on a path toward collegiate competition. Instead of ending his football journey after graduation, he continued developing through junior college football.
The move from Washington, D.C. to college football represented a major step in his athletic career.
Darez Diggs at Iowa Western Community College
After high school, Darez continued his football development at Iowa Western Community College.
Iowa Western gave him an opportunity to compete at a high level and develop further as a defensive back. His performance there became one of the strongest parts of his college résumé.
In 2015, he earned first-team NJCAA All-American recognition. He recorded 32 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and four interceptions during that season.
Those numbers demonstrate why Darez attracted attention as a defensive player. Interceptions are particularly valuable for a defensive back because they show the ability to read the quarterback, anticipate passing plays, and create turnovers.
His four interceptions at Iowa Western helped establish him as a player capable of making impact plays rather than simply contributing through routine tackles.
His time at Iowa Western also connected him with several players who later joined him at UAB. That continuity helped make the transition to UAB easier and allowed him to continue playing within a familiar football environment.
Darez Diggs at UAB
Darez Diggs continued his college career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
UAB officially listed him as Mar’Sean Diggs. During his UAB career, he played safety and became part of the Blazers’ defensive secondary.
The 2018 UAB roster listed Mar’Sean Diggs as a redshirt senior, with a height of 6 feet 3 inches and a weight of approximately 210 pounds. His size and defensive skill set made him a useful presence in the secondary.
His UAB career was especially notable during the 2017 season. He appeared in 12 games and made five starts. During that season, he recorded a career-high eight tackles against Florida.
He also recorded his first career interception against Coastal Carolina.
Across that 2017 season, he recorded 24 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles for 39 total tackles. He also forced a fumble.
These statistics show that Darez was an active defensive contributor during his time at UAB. His role was not simply based on his family name. He earned playing time through his football ability and continued to develop as a safety.
Darez Diggs College Football Stats
Darez’s college statistics provide a clearer picture of his football career.
At Iowa Western, he recorded:
- 32 total tackles
- 4 tackles for loss
- 4 interceptions
- First-team NJCAA All-American recognition
At UAB in 2017, he recorded:
- 39 total tackles
- 24 solo tackles
- 15 assisted tackles
- 1 interception
- 1 forced fumble
- 12 games played
- 5 starts
His UAB career continued into the 2018 season. Football records credit him with additional defensive production during that year, helping him finish his college career with substantial experience in the secondary.
These numbers matter because they demonstrate that Darez had a legitimate collegiate football career. Although his path did not eventually lead to a long NFL career, he reached a level of college football where he competed against strong opponents and produced measurable defensive results.
Did Darez Diggs Play in the NFL?
No. Darez Diggs did not establish a regular-season NFL career.
This is one of the most common questions about him because both of his brothers became prominent NFL players.
Darez did receive opportunities connected to professional football. After college, he participated in the professional football system and was associated with the Minnesota Vikings’ training environment. However, he did not become an established NFL regular-season player.
His professional football opportunity eventually took him to the XFL.
Therefore, it is more accurate to describe Darez as a former professional football player who competed in the XFL rather than as an NFL player.
Darez Diggs and the Los Angeles Wildcats
Darez Diggs played professional football for the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL in 2020.
The Wildcats listed him as Mar’Sean Diggs, a safety wearing number 21. His professional roster information listed him at approximately 6 feet 1 inch and 218 pounds.
He appeared in five games for the Wildcats during the 2020 XFL season. He did not make a start, but he recorded defensive tackles during his time with the team.
His XFL career was short partly because the 2020 season was interrupted when the league suspended operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
That interruption affected numerous players across the league, making the 2020 XFL season unusual in professional sports history.
For Darez, the Wildcats represented an important milestone because it was the highest level of organized football he reached as a player.
What Happened to Darez Diggs’ Football Career?
Darez Diggs’ football career followed a path that was different from the careers of his brothers.
He progressed from high school football to junior college, then to UAB, and finally to professional football with the Los Angeles Wildcats.
His career included legitimate achievements, particularly his first-team NJCAA All-American recognition and his defensive production at UAB.
However, he did not establish a long-term career in the NFL after his professional opportunity.
This distinction is important. Being part of a famous football family does not automatically lead to an NFL career. The transition from college football to professional football is extremely competitive, and many talented college athletes never become long-term NFL players.
Darez’s career illustrates this reality. He reached the professional level through the XFL, but his football journey ultimately developed differently from those of Stefon and Trevon.
Darez Diggs and Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs is Darez’s older brother and the most widely recognized NFL player in the immediate family.
Stefon developed into a star wide receiver and became known for his route running, speed, hands, and ability to make difficult catches. His professional career included major success in the NFL.
Darez and Stefon share a particularly meaningful family connection because Stefon became an important source of guidance after their father’s death.
The brothers’ relationship has often attracted attention because Stefon’s football career became considerably more prominent. However, Darez also pursued football seriously and developed his own path through college and professional football.
Stefon’s success naturally brought additional public attention to Darez, but Darez’s football record shows that he had his own achievements independent of his brother’s NFL career.
Darez Diggs and Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs is Darez’s younger brother and another prominent NFL defensive player.
Unlike Stefon, who plays wide receiver, Trevon developed as a cornerback. His defensive career made him one of the better-known members of the Diggs family.
Darez and Trevon share a natural connection through their defensive backgrounds. Both developed skills on the defensive side of the football, although they played at different positions and followed different professional paths.
Trevon eventually reached the NFL and established himself as a starting-level cornerback. Darez, meanwhile, competed professionally in the XFL.
Their different career outcomes demonstrate how the same family can produce athletes who reach different levels of competitive sport.
The Diggs Family Football Connection
The Diggs family is unusual because multiple brothers reached high levels of football.
Stefon became a major NFL wide receiver.
Trevon became a prominent NFL cornerback.
Darez built a career as a defensive back and reached professional football through the XFL.
Their stories are connected by their Washington, D.C. roots, their family experiences, and their early exposure to football.
The death of their father in 2008 was a particularly significant event in the family story. Stefon was still young when he took on additional responsibility for his younger siblings.
Darez later spoke about Stefon’s role in helping guide the family after their father’s death. That relationship adds an important personal dimension to the broader Diggs football story.
Darez Diggs Height and Position
Darez Diggs played primarily as a defensive back and safety.
His UAB roster listed him at 6 feet 3 inches and 210 pounds. His XFL roster listed him at approximately 6 feet 1 inch and 218 pounds.
Differences in listed measurements between teams and seasons are common in football records, so the most useful way to describe him is as a tall defensive back who played safety.
Safety requires a combination of speed, awareness, tackling ability, communication, and the ability to read offensive formations. Darez’s college statistics, including interceptions and forced fumbles, reflect those responsibilities.
Darez Diggs Playing Style
Darez’s statistical profile suggests a defensive player who could contribute in multiple ways.
His four interceptions at Iowa Western demonstrated strong ball awareness and the ability to create turnovers. At UAB, his tackle totals showed that he was also involved in stopping plays rather than functioning solely as a deep defensive player.
His experience at safety required him to understand passing concepts and react quickly to offensive movement.
Playing defensive back at the college level also requires considerable mental preparation. Safeties often have responsibility for communicating coverage assignments and adjusting to changes before and during plays.
Darez’s progression from junior college to UAB and then to the XFL indicates that coaches recognized those qualities in his game.
Darez Diggs Legal Case
Darez Diggs has also received significant public attention because of a 2023 incident in Los Angeles that resulted in criminal proceedings.
Reports connected Darez to an altercation involving a man in an apartment building. The incident became widely discussed because of Darez’s relationship to Stefon Diggs and because video footage was circulated publicly.
It is important to distinguish allegations from established legal outcomes when discussing the case.
Darez ultimately entered a no-contest plea to a felony grand theft from a person charge. In March 2024, he received a sentence of two years of probation and was ordered to complete 20 hours of community labor. Another robbery charge was dropped as part of the agreement.
A no-contest plea is different from an admission of guilt. It allows a defendant to accept a legal disposition without formally admitting the underlying allegations.
Because the incident involved multiple allegations and related civil litigation, readers should be careful about repeating claims that have not been established by a court.
The legal case became a major part of Darez’s public profile, particularly because it occurred after his football career and because of the high public visibility of his brothers.
How the Legal Case Affected Public Interest in Darez Diggs
Before the legal case, most searches for Darez Diggs focused on football and his relationship with Stefon and Trevon.
The 2023 incident changed the nature of public interest surrounding him.
News coverage expanded beyond football to include court proceedings, legal developments, and questions about his relationship with his family members.
This illustrates how the public profile of someone connected to a major sports star can change quickly. Darez was already known within football circles, but the legal case brought his name to a much wider audience.
At the same time, it is important to avoid defining an entire person’s life solely through a legal case. His documented football career includes years of athletic development, college competition, professional football, and accomplishments that existed independently of the later controversy.
Is Darez Diggs Still Playing Football?
There is no strong indication that Darez Diggs is currently active as a professional football player.
His best-known professional playing opportunity came with the Los Angeles Wildcats during the 2020 XFL season. That league’s 2020 season was cut short, and Darez did not go on to establish a continuing NFL career.
As a result, Darez is best described as a former football player rather than an active NFL athlete.
His name remains connected to football because of his own playing history and because his brothers continue to be associated with the NFL.
Darez Diggs Net Worth
Reliable public information does not establish a verified current net worth for Darez Diggs.
Some websites publish estimated figures, but these estimates are often based on assumptions rather than documented financial records. There is no reliable reason to treat an unsupported internet estimate as an exact representation of his wealth.
Darez’s professional football career was considerably shorter than the careers of his NFL brothers. He played in college and the XFL, but he did not spend years earning an NFL salary.
For that reason, claims about a specific net worth should be treated cautiously unless supported by credible financial documentation.
Darez Diggs Current Status
As of 2026, Darez Diggs remains known primarily for his football background and his connection to the Diggs family.
He is no longer known as an active NFL player. His professional playing career is associated with the 2020 Los Angeles Wildcats season, following his college career at UAB.
His public profile has also been influenced by the legal case stemming from the 2023 Los Angeles incident.
Because Darez maintains a much lower public profile than his NFL brothers, current personal information about his daily life, career plans, relationships, and finances should not be assumed unless it has been publicly confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darez Diggs
Who is Darez Diggs?
Darez Diggs, whose full name is Mar’Sean Diggs, is a former American football defensive back from Washington, D.C. He played college football at Iowa Western and UAB before playing professionally for the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL.
What is Darez Diggs’ real name?
Darez Diggs’ football records identify him as Mar’Sean Diggs. Darez is the name by which he is more commonly known publicly.
How old is Darez Diggs?
Darez Diggs was born on December 18, 1995. He is 30 years old in 2026.
Is Darez Diggs Stefon Diggs’ brother?
Yes. Darez Diggs is the brother of NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Is Darez Diggs Trevon Diggs’ brother?
Yes. Darez Diggs is also the brother of NFL cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Did Darez Diggs play in the NFL?
No. Darez did not establish an NFL regular-season career. He did, however, play professional football in the XFL with the Los Angeles Wildcats.
What position did Darez Diggs play?
Darez primarily played defensive back and safety. His college and professional records identify him as a defensive player in the secondary.
Where did Darez Diggs play college football?
He played at Iowa Western Community College before continuing his career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Did Darez Diggs play for the Los Angeles Wildcats?
Yes. Darez, listed as Mar’Sean Diggs, played safety for the Los Angeles Wildcats during the 2020 XFL season.
How many games did Darez Diggs play in the XFL?
He appeared in five games for the Los Angeles Wildcats during the 2020 XFL season.
What were Darez Diggs’ college achievements?
One of his most notable college achievements was earning first-team NJCAA All-American recognition at Iowa Western in 2015. He recorded four interceptions that season. At UAB, he also produced significant defensive numbers, including 39 total tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble during the 2017 season.
What happened to Darez Diggs’ father?
Darez’s father, Aron Diggs, died in 2008 from congestive heart failure. His death had a major impact on the Diggs family and contributed to Stefon taking on a stronger guiding role for his younger siblings.
Does Darez Diggs have an NFL career like his brothers?
No. His brothers Stefon and Trevon established long-term NFL careers, while Darez’s professional football experience was primarily through the XFL.
Why is Darez Diggs famous?
Darez is known for three major reasons: his own football career, his relationship with NFL stars Stefon and Trevon Diggs, and the legal case that brought additional media attention to his name.
Final Thoughts on Darez Diggs
Darez Diggs has a story that goes well beyond simply being the brother of two NFL stars.
As Mar’Sean Diggs, he developed into a competitive defensive back through high school football in Washington, D.C., junior college football at Iowa Western, and Division I football at UAB. His first-team NJCAA All-American recognition and defensive production at UAB show that he built a legitimate football career through his own ability.
His professional opportunity with the Los Angeles Wildcats also gave him a chance to compete beyond college football. Although his professional career was brief and did not become an NFL career, reaching the XFL remains an important part of his athletic journey.
At the same time, his connection to Stefon and Trevon Diggs has made him part of one of the more recognizable football families of his generation. The brothers followed different paths, with Stefon becoming a highly successful NFL receiver, Trevon developing into an NFL defensive back, and Darez pursuing his own route through the college and XFL levels.
Darez’s public story later became more complicated because of his legal case following the 2023 Los Angeles incident. His 2024 no-contest plea, probation sentence, and community service became significant parts of his public profile.
For anyone researching Darez Diggs, the most accurate picture comes from considering all of these parts together: his Washington, D.C. upbringing, his football development, his college achievements, his professional XFL experience, his famous family connections, and the legal controversy that followed his playing career.
Ultimately, Darez Diggs represents a different kind of football journey. He did not reach the same professional heights as his brothers, but he still progressed through several competitive levels of the sport and created a football résumé of his own. His story demonstrates that even within a famous athletic family, each person’s career can develop in a distinctly different direction.
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