NFL CAREER – A seven-year veteran, Dinkins has built his NFL reputation on being a rugged blocker and solid special teams performer. He was signed by the Saints as a free agent in March after three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, and he has also had stints with the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens. In his career, he has 25 receptions for 228 yards with three touchdowns, 24 special teams tackles and a special teams forced fumble. In 2001, played semi-pro football as a quarterback before being allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe in 2002 by the Giants.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS – Signed by Saints to a one-year contract, 3/23/09 (UFA); Signed by Cleveland Browns to a three year contract, 3/19/06 (UFA); Signed by Baltimore Ravens to active roster, 10/29/04; Signed by Baltimore to practice squad, 10/2/04; Waived by New York Giants, 7/28/04; Re-signed by Giants, 3/5/04; Signed by Giants to active roster, 11/15/03; Signed by Giants to practice squad, 9/2/03; Waived by Giants, 8/31/03; Placed on injured reserve by Giants, 11/1/02; Allocated to NFL Europe by Giants, 2/22/02; Signed by Giants as a free agent, 2/6/02.
2008 – In his third year with the Browns, appeared in 14 games with two starts and had five receptions for 41 yards with a TD and five special teams tackles…Hauled in a 22-yard TD reception vs. NY Giants, Oct. 13.
2007 – With the Browns appeared in 15 games and had a reception for eight yards, as the majority of his contributions came as a blocker…Also a key for the special teams as a blocker, and added seven special teams tackles and a 19-yard kick return…Inactive for one game with a hand injury…added one reception for eight yards…Blocking tight end also was a key contributor on special teams as part of the kickoff return wedge blocking unit.
2006 – In first season with Browns, appeared in 14 games, including two starts, and posted two catches for 14 yards and a TD…Contributed as a blocking tight end and also key contributor on special teams with five tackles…Made his Browns debut vs. New Orleans, Sept. 10, but injured hamstring and sidelined for next two contests…Returned at Oakland, Oct. 1, and had a three-yard TD reception.
2005 – Appeared in all 16 games with four starts for Baltimore, and had six catches for 55 yards (9.2 avg.).
2004 – After being waived by the Giants at the conclusion of training camp, was signed to the Ravens practice squad, Oct. 2, where he spent a month before joining the active roster, playing in 10 games, including four starts, finishing with nine receptions for 94 yards and a TD…Started first career game vs. Cleveland, Nov. 7…Scored first career TD vs. Dallas, Nov. 21, and had a career-high three receptions for 40 yards.
2003 – Opened season on the Giants practice squad, where he spent the first nine weeks before being elevated to active roster where he appeared in nine games, caught two passes for 16 yards and totaled eight special teams tackles.
2002 – Signed by the Giants after playing semi-pro football as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Colts in 2001, was allocated to Rhein Fire of NFL Europe…Beat the odds to earn a roster spot, appearing in two games, before breaking a bone in his foot, which caused him to miss the final 13 contests.
COLLEGE – A three year starter at free safety for the University of Pittsburgh…Started all 11 games in 1998, finishing second on the team with 78 tackles…Came to the Panthers as a quarterback before moving to the defensive backfield.
PERSONAL – Full name: Darnell Joseph Dinkins...Born in Pittsburgh, Pa…Played quarterback at Schenley (Pittsburgh) HS…Named City League MVP by Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Pittsburgh Courier...Has worked with Habitat for Humanity throughout his NFL career…Father of three: Kayla, Khalil and Konin.