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Darion Conner (born September 28, 1967) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL). He played for eight seasons in the NFL, from 1990 to 1997 and seven seasons (1999–2005) in the AFL. He was selected in the second round (27th overall) of the 1990 NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football for the Jackson State Tigers. He is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for DUI-manslaughter and vehicular homicide. However, in July 2008, an appeals court ruled that he would be given a retrial.
In his career, Conner has played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Tampa Bay Storm. He is the highest NFL draft pick to ever play for the Tampa Bay Storm.
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In 2000, his first full season in the AFL, Conner opened the season by sacking New England quarterback Chad Salisbury. On the play Conner also forced a fumble that led to a Storm touchdown. He missed five games during the season, but had a strong performance on July 1 against the Orlando Predators, recording a career-high six tackles and recording 2.5 sacks in a win. He led the Storm in sacks on the season, he also recorded 15 total tackles. 2000 Tampa Bay Statistics
In 2001, Conner made his largest impact on defense for the Storm. He played in 12 games and recorded 20 tackles, including three for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also broke up two passes and forced two fumbles. 2001 Tampa Bay Statistics He tied for second on the team in sacks. As he did in the previous season, he recorded the first team sack of the season in the season opener against the Florida Bobcats. On June 25 at Florida he returned Willie Wyatt's blocked field goal three yards for a touchdown. He forced fumbles in back-to-back games, on the road against the Grand Rapids Rampage at home against the Carolina Cobras.
In 2002, Conner led the team with 3.5 tackles for loss, finishing the regular season with 10.5 total tackles and one sack. 2002 Tampa Bay Statistics In at least two games on the season he played Offensive line / Defensive line.
In 2003, Conner missed the first two games with an ankle injury. He was placed on injured reserve May 17, 2003. For the season, he recorded seven tackles (two solo), one carry for six yards. 2003 Tampa Bay Statistics
In 2004, Conner played in ten games and finished tied for second on the team with two sacks. He moved into ninth place on the Storm's career sacks list. He finished the season with 12 total tackles (ten solo), one pass break up, and one forced fumble. 2004 Tampa Bay Statistics
In 2005, Conner recorded one pass break up, before being arrested and charged with DUI-manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
Conner was convicted of DUI-manslaughter and vehicular homicide and served a 15-year prison sentence, the maximum allowed punishment. In July 2008, an appeals court ruled that he would be given a retrial. Regardless of the retrial however, Conner was still sentenced to 15 years in prison (with four years of time served at that point). He was released in 2018.
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