Darby played college football for the Florida Gators, and was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 1976 NFL draft.
[3] In the 1970 Florida Class AA state championship game, he had a 62-yard touchdown reception, contributing to the Edison Red Raiders' 42–22 victory over Fort Pierce Central.
[4] He played in 35 games for the Gators, starting as a tight end as a sophomore and senior, but filling the wide receiver's slot as a junior.
[5] During his three seasons as a Gator, the team appeared in three consecutive post-season bowl games for the first time in its history.
[1] He did not play during the 1977 NFL season, but appeared in six games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978.