Darez Diggs is more than just another name in the football world — he is a story of perseverance, identity, and transformation. While many people recognize the Diggs name because of NFL stars Stefon and Trevon Diggs, few truly understand the journey of their brother, Darez, who carved his own unique path. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Darez Diggs grew up surrounded by sports and competition, carrying both the blessing and burden of belonging to one of America’s most athletic families. Beyond the NFL spotlight, Darez Diggs built his own life through football, personal reinvention, and entrepreneurship, showing that success can take many different forms.
This article provides a complete, fact-based, and inspiring look at his background, football career, business ventures, personal challenges, and growth — all rooted in the reality of striving to build an identity apart from famous siblings.
Early Life and Background
Darez Diggs, whose full name is Mar’Sean Darez Diggs, was born on December 18, 1995, in Washington, D.C. He was raised in a family where athletics and discipline were a way of life. His parents, Aron and Stephanie Diggs, played a vital role in nurturing their children’s potential, especially in sports. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 2008 when Darez’s father, Aron, passed away due to heart failure. The loss left a lasting emotional impact on the family, but it also brought them closer together. Stefon Diggs, the eldest brother, stepped up as a father figure to help guide Darez and their younger brother Trevon through their formative years. This strong family unit became the foundation for all three brothers’ success in different facets of football and life.
Growing up in the heart of Washington, D.C., Darez was exposed early to the intensity of urban athletics and the culture of competition. The Diggs household was filled with energy, teamwork, and ambition. Football was not just a game — it was a family tradition. The brothers constantly trained together, pushed each other’s limits, and learned the importance of perseverance. This upbringing shaped Darez into a dedicated athlete with the mental toughness required to succeed in highly competitive environments. His early exposure to football at Friendship Collegiate Academy laid the groundwork for his future athletic endeavors.
High School and College Football Journey
Friendship Collegiate Academy
Darez attended Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C., a school renowned for producing top-tier football talent. Under the guidance of skilled coaches, he developed into a promising defensive back and sometimes lined up as a wide receiver. His height (6’2”) and athletic build gave him a natural advantage, allowing him to make crucial plays both in coverage and tackling. Scouts quickly noticed his ability to read offenses, his speed, and his commitment to training. These formative years gave Darez the exposure he needed to pursue football at the collegiate level and showed that he had the talent and discipline to stand out even among elite athletes.
Iowa Western Community College
After graduating high school, Darez took his football ambitions to Iowa Western Community College — a significant step that demonstrated his willingness to adapt and grow. Moving from Washington, D.C., to Iowa was not easy, but it was a necessary challenge for a young athlete determined to prove himself. The junior college (JUCO) system is known as a proving ground for athletes trying to earn spots at major universities, and Darez took full advantage of that environment. At Iowa Western, he refined his fundamentals as a defensive back, learned discipline on and off the field, and matured as both a player and person. His performance and leadership caught the attention of Division I programs, setting the stage for his next move.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Darez’s next chapter unfolded at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he joined the Blazers’ football team from 2015 to 2018. This period was especially significant because UAB’s football program had just returned from a shutdown, making Darez part of a rebuilding era filled with pressure and opportunity. Playing as a defensive back, Darez contributed to the team’s resurgence through his defensive awareness, tackling ability, and leadership. Competing at the Division I level tested his endurance, adaptability, and skill against some of the nation’s best athletes. His time at UAB marked the pinnacle of his collegiate football experience and showcased his dedication to the game despite limited public recognition compared to his brothers’ rising fame.
Morgan State University
Following his stint at UAB, Darez Diggs continued his football career at Morgan State University, a historically Black university (HBCU) located in Baltimore, Maryland. This move reflected not only his commitment to education but also his desire to stay connected to his roots in the Mid-Atlantic region. At Morgan State, he continued to develop his defensive game while embracing the cultural and academic environment of the HBCU experience. These college years provided valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and self-identity — lessons that would later serve him beyond the field.
Professional Football Career
Entry into Professional Leagues
Darez Diggs reached the professional football stage in 2020 when he joined the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL. The XFL, a revived spring football league, offered talented players an alternative route to showcase their skills outside of the NFL. For Darez, this was both an opportunity and a proving ground — a chance to demonstrate that he belonged among professional athletes. The league’s focus on fast-paced gameplay and innovative rules appealed to players like Darez, who thrived in high-intensity defensive scenarios.
XFL Experience and Skillset
As a defensive back, Darez’s primary responsibilities included covering receivers, anticipating routes, and making open-field tackles. His playstyle emphasized quick reaction times, physical matchups, and smart positioning. Standing at 6’2” and around 205 pounds, he combined size with agility, making him capable of guarding both smaller, speedy receivers and larger targets. Unfortunately, the 2020 XFL season was abruptly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting Darez’s professional momentum. While this unexpected event limited his opportunity to build a full statistical record, it provided invaluable professional experience and exposure.
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Life After the XFL
After the XFL shutdown, Darez continued pursuing football through various tryouts and workouts, determined not to let circumstances define his career. However, as opportunities in professional leagues became uncertain, he began to explore new avenues outside sports. This transition marked a turning point in his life — a shift from athlete to entrepreneur — as he prepared to channel the same drive and focus that fueled his athletic journey into new ventures.
Transition from Football to Fashion
Founding Blue Boii
Darez Diggs’s transition from football to fashion was not just a career change but a reinvention. Drawing inspiration from his personal sense of style, he founded Blue Boii, a streetwear brand that reflects his personality and creative vision. The brand combines high-end design aesthetics with urban street culture, appealing to young adults who value authenticity and individuality. Blue Boii became an extension of Darez himself — bold, confident, and expressive. His fashion sense, already evident through his social media presence, now transformed into a tangible business venture.
Entrepreneurial Vision
The discipline and focus Darez developed through years of football training translated directly into his entrepreneurial journey. Running a clothing brand required the same commitment, strategy, and persistence that defined his athletic life. He used social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to build awareness for Blue Boii and connect with fans. His background as a football player and his connection to the Diggs name helped him attract attention, but it was his creativity and authenticity that sustained his brand’s growth.
Influence in Fashion and Culture
Through Blue Boii, Darez positioned himself as part of a new generation of athlete-entrepreneurs who blend sports, lifestyle, and fashion. His brand resonates with those who appreciate the hustle mentality — the idea that success comes from relentless effort, whether on the field or in business. As his clothing line expands, Darez continues to demonstrate that reinvention is not just possible but powerful when guided by passion and purpose.
Legal Issues and Controversies
In May 2023, Darez Diggs found himself at the center of controversy when he was involved in a violent elevator altercation in Los Angeles. The incident, captured on security footage, led to legal proceedings that concluded in April 2024. Darez pleaded no contest to a felony charge and was sentenced to two years of probation along with 20 hours of community service. The event brought unwanted media attention, largely because of his connection to his NFL-star brothers.
Despite the negative publicity, Darez has shown efforts to move forward responsibly. Legal challenges can derail careers, but they can also serve as catalysts for personal growth. For Darez, this episode has become a lesson in accountability and self-improvement — a reminder that fame, family ties, or talent cannot protect anyone from the consequences of poor decisions. His ability to continue building his brand and staying positive demonstrates resilience and maturity in the face of adversity.
Personal Life and Family Relationships
Darez Diggs is known for his strong bond with his brothers, Stefon and Trevon Diggs. Despite living in different cities and pursuing separate careers, the three maintain a close relationship that is often highlighted on social media. They support each other’s achievements, attend family events together, and remain each other’s biggest fans.
Outside of family, Darez keeps much of his personal life private. While his brothers live under the intense scrutiny of the NFL spotlight, Darez prefers a more reserved lifestyle. On Instagram, where he goes by @marseandiggs, he occasionally shares glimpses of his fashion ventures, personal moments, and motivational messages. His passion for creativity, fashion, and family shines through his posts, painting the picture of a man still shaping his identity beyond fame.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Compared to his brothers, Darez Diggs’s net worth is modest, estimated to be under $1 million. This difference highlights the vast income gap between NFL stars and players who participate in alternative leagues like the XFL. However, Darez’s financial stability comes not just from his athletic background but also from his entrepreneurial efforts with Blue Boii. His clothing brand, combined with sponsorships and online collaborations, provides a steady income stream and long-term growth potential. With his continued focus on branding and product expansion, Darez is laying the foundation for sustainable success that extends well beyond sports.
Current Status and Future Plans (as of 2025)
As of 2025, Darez Diggs continues to focus on expanding his fashion brand while fulfilling the terms of his probation. He remains deeply connected to football, often engaging with young athletes and exploring opportunities in coaching or mentorship. Meanwhile, the family dynamic continues to evolve — with Stefon Diggs now playing for the Houston Texans, the Diggs name remains a powerful symbol in football. Darez’s journey, however, stands as its own unique chapter, representing perseverance and transformation beyond the limelight.
Darez Diggs’ Legacy and Impact
Darez Diggs’s life embodies resilience, reinvention, and identity beyond fame. His story resonates with countless athletes who may never reach the NFL but still dedicate their lives to the game. By building a business, overcoming personal setbacks, and remaining devoted to family, Darez exemplifies what it means to define success on your own terms. His contribution to the Diggs legacy is not measured in touchdowns or trophies but in perseverance, creativity, and courage to start anew.
Through his journey, Darez reminds us that greatness is not limited to the spotlight — sometimes, it thrives quietly, shaped by hard work and determination behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Darez Diggs’s story is one of grit, growth, and self-discovery. From his early days in Washington, D.C., through his football career, to his entrepreneurial rise in the fashion industry, Darez has shown that life offers many paths to success. While his brothers dominate the NFL headlines, Darez’s legacy lies in his ability to rise from challenges, build something of his own, and redefine what success means. His journey serves as an inspiration to those who seek to turn setbacks into stepping stones, proving that even when fame is out of reach, fulfillment is not.
FAQs
1. Who is Darez Diggs?
Darez Diggs, also known as Mar’Sean Diggs, is an American athlete and entrepreneur born on December 18, 1995, in Washington, D.C. He is best known as the brother of NFL stars Stefon Diggs (Houston Texans wide receiver) and Trevon Diggs (Dallas Cowboys cornerback). While his brothers gained NFL fame, Darez built his own football career as a defensive back, playing for teams like the UAB Blazers, Morgan State Bears, and later the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL. After his football career, he transitioned into fashion entrepreneurship with his clothing brand, Blue Boii, showcasing his creativity and business acumen beyond sports.
2. What is Darez Diggs known for?
Darez Diggs is primarily known for his football career and fashion entrepreneurship. He played as a defensive back in college football and professionally in the XFL, where he displayed strong defensive skills and athleticism. However, he is equally recognized for launching his streetwear clothing brand, Blue Boii, which blends sports, culture, and urban fashion. Additionally, as the brother of NFL stars Stefon and Trevon Diggs, he often attracts public interest for his family ties and his efforts to establish his own identity outside the NFL spotlight.
3. What happened to Darez Diggs in 2023?
In May 2023, Darez Diggs was involved in an elevator altercation in Los Angeles that resulted in legal charges. The incident, which was caught on security camera, led to a court case in April 2024, where Darez pleaded no contest to a felony charge. He was sentenced to two years of probation and 20 hours of community service. Despite the controversy, Darez has since been complying with his probation terms and focusing on personal growth, business expansion, and moving forward positively from the incident.
4. What is Darez Diggs’s net worth?
As of 2025, Darez Diggs’s net worth is estimated to be under $1 million, a modest figure compared to his NFL brothers. His primary income sources include his fashion brand Blue Boii, social media collaborations, and past football earnings from the XFL and college-level participation. While he doesn’t enjoy NFL-level salaries, his growing entrepreneurial ventures show promising potential for long-term financial stability and brand recognition in the fashion industry.
5. What is Darez Diggs doing now (2025)?
Currently, Darez Diggs is focusing on expanding his Blue Boii fashion brand while also staying involved with the football community through potential mentorship and coaching roles. He continues to maintain a low-profile lifestyle, prioritizing business growth, creativity, and personal development. With his brothers still active in the NFL, Darez’s path represents the quieter but equally meaningful side of the Diggs family legacy — one rooted in resilience, entrepreneurship, and individuality.
