Former Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, Devard Darling, says the pain of losing his identical twin brother has never gone away, but 25 years later, it has become the driving force behind a mission to save lives.
Read full article: Former Houston Texans player honors twin’s legacy with 16th Annual Darling Dash race in Sugar Land Houston money-saving guide: Apps that help cut gas, grocery and dining costsHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo releases audio, video of incident at RodeoHouston during Megan Moroney concertFormer Houston Texan Devard Darling to host 16th Annual Darling Dash 10k/5k/1k for Sickle Cell, says the pain of losing his identical twin brother has never gone away, but 25 years later, it has become the driving force behind a mission to save lives.
On Sunday, Darling will host the 16th Annual Darling Dash in Sugar Land, a community race created to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the dangers of sickle cell trait exertion. The event also marks 25 years since the death of his twin brother, Devaughn Darling, a standout football player at Florida State University who collapsed and died after intense offseason drills in 2001. “Twenty-five years later, the pain is still real, but so is the purpose,” Darling said. “The Darling Dash is how we keep Devaughn’s name alive, raise awareness that can save lives, and bring families together to run for something bigger than a finish line.”Darling says his family’s story, and the inspiration behind the As One Foundation, began before he and his brother were even born.“The doctor only heard one heartbeat,” Darling said. “So that’s where it came from, one heartbeat beating, two heartbeats beating as one. That’s how the As One Foundation was born.” The identical twins were inseparable growing up, sharing dreams, ambitions and eventually a path toward football. “We had a dream about playing in the NFL since we were about eight, nine, 10 years old,” Darling said. “We just loved throwing the football around.” The brothers came from a highly athletic Bahamian family. Olympic medalist Frank Rutherford, the first Bahamian to win an Olympic medal in track and field, is their cousin and mentor.Despite their athletic background, the brothers had no idea they carried the sickle cell trait until they arrived at Florida State as freshmen. “The first time we found out we had the sickle cell trait was our freshman year at Florida State,” Darling said. “We were already committed, already signed.”“The doctor said just make sure when you’re ready to have a child that your mate doesn’t have the trait as well,” he recalled. “That was the only information really given to us.”His brother often experienced severe cramps during high school football practices, something the family simply thought was part of intense training. “He cramped a lot in high school,” Darling said. “But we just thought it was normal. He was our workhorse.”In 2001, Devaughn collapsed during intense offseason conditioning drills, workouts that Darling says pushed athletes to extreme limits. “At that time, that was the mentality,” he said. “You couldn’t get water. There were trash cans around for people throwing up. The number one unwritten rule was you can’t quit.”The tragedy sparked major changes in how college athletic programs handle conditioning and medical safety. Today, many programs require athletes to be tested for sickle cell trait, provide scheduled water breaks and keep medical staff and automated external defibrillators on site during workouts.After his brother’s death, Darling initially stayed at Florida State but later transferred to Washington State University to continue his football career.BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 17: Wide receiver Devard Darling #81 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 17, 2006 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 20-10. Darling was drafted in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and later played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans.HOUSTON, TX - CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Devard Darling of the Houston Texans poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Houston, Texas. After reaching the NFL, Darling launched the As One Foundation to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the dangers associated with the sickle cell trait during intense physical exertion. The organization promotes education, blood drives and testing so families understand their genetic status. “The most important thing is knowing your status,” Darling said. “Knowing your blood type, knowing your genotype and being safe while participating in athletics.” The foundation has also given away more than $100,000 in scholarships to students in Fort Bend County, where the Darling family has long-standing ties.The Darling Dash has grown into a major community event in the Houston area, bringing together runners, families and supporters for a cause that extends beyond the finish line.“All of our events are heartfelt,” he said. “It’s a fun family atmosphere. You’re going to feel that energy, feel the love.” He says the event is also an opportunity for people to learn about sickle cell disease and how it affects communities, particularly people of African descent.Participants can register, volunteer or learn more through the As One Foundation website.emailUnlock featured deals at local favorites with Houston Life Deals!What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?Son shot by father during argument in southwest HoustonWhat turns a thunderstorm into severe weather? Here's what to know!IS YOUR WATER MAIN LEAKING? Here's what to doJustice Department and Live Nation reach settlement over illegal monopoly caseHouston gas prices increase nearly 50 cents in a week, GasBuddy analyst saysHouston Texans NFL free agency news and contract updates!
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