Darnell Mooney: A Journey Shaped by Family Influence and Love

Darnell Mooney's Background and Family Support

Darnell Mooney, born on October 29, 1997, in Gadsden, Alabama, comes from a family that cherished football. His parents, Larry Mooney and Valerie Hutchins, both worked hard to support their sons' dreams. While his father was employed at General Motors, his mother worked at Goodyear. Despite their challenges, they instilled a love for sports in both Darnell and his twin brother, Denzel.

The Loss That Changed Everything

Tragedy struck in July 2014 when Larry Mooney passed away from leukemia, leaving a profound impact on Darnell. He had to mature quickly, feeling the weight of responsibility for his siblings and mother. In his own words, “when my father passed, I felt like I had to step up for my siblings and my mom. I couldn’t be a kid anymore.”

Darnell's Tribute and Community Impact

Throughout his NFL career, Darnell has found ways to honor his father's memory. He wore a pendant containing his father's ashes during his first two NFL seasons and expressed a deep connection saying, “I feel like he’s with me at all times.” A significant moment came during week 12 of the 2022 season when he partnered with 'My Cause My Cleats' to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, furthering his father’s legacy.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

Recently, Darnell engaged with the community by inviting teammate Justin Fields to meet local children, demonstrating his commitment to inspiring the younger generation. His mother, Valerie, publicly expressed her pride, stating, “Today was a great day. I enjoyed myself as always while supporting my Son!!!!!”