Retiring Darnell Dockett: Creating memories is what’s important
Jul 25, 2016, 1:45 PM
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, right, scrambles as Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett gives chase during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
(AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Darnell Dockett announced his retirement from football on Monday, but what he did on the field isn’t the only thing that he carries with him today.
In an interview with former teammate Bertrand Berry on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the former Cardinals defensive tackle reflected on his 10-year career.
“I had personal goals I accomplished that was at the peak of my happiness. To me, the biggest thing that stands out to me was when we were 9-7,” Dockett said. “Nobody gave us a chance from the first round of the playoffs all the way to the Super Bowl, falling short by maybe a couple of minutes. We were the best 9-7 team to ever hit America.”
Dockett was referring to Super Bowl XLIII, in which the Cardinals overcame a 20-7 deficit in the fourth quarter, only to lose in the final minute on a go-ahead Santonio Holmes touchdown for the Steelers. After that 9-7 Super Bowl run of 2008, Dockett would play five more seasons with Arizona.
“My main focus at that time was do everything I can to bring that Super Bowl back to Arizona,” he said. “Like I said, as a team, we got there and as a team, we all lost. We fell short. I tell you what, they win a Super Bowl this year, I think I’m going to get a replica ring.”
That sense of humor is something that Dockett said was a big part of his career, and a laughing Berry said that he was always a fun teammate. Dockett showed that humor when he tried to purchase a monkey in 2013, and on another occasion, trolled Oakland Raiders fans.
“If anybody know me, you know that’s just my personality,” he said. “I always lived my life on the edge. The one thing that makes a lot of sense to this day is, it doesn’t last forever.”
Dockett said he can look back on his career and remember his good times in meeting rooms and the locker room. According to the now-retiree, those memories are what’s important.
“All we have is those moments where we go back and we made each other laugh or we crack jokes and got memories for the rest of our life,” he said. “I was determined to create funny and hilarious moments my entire career. I hope people understand that. There’s an ending to every beginning. I hope people understand you go to work, it doesn’t have to be work nine to five military form, walking in a straight line and all of that. It’s about creating memories and having a hell of a time and enjoying it.”
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