Justin Durant's journey in professional football began when he was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. A linebacker by trade, Durant quickly adapted to the demands of the NFL, bringing with him the skills and tenacity honed during his college years at Hampton University. At Hampton, he had been a standout player, earning multiple accolades and catching the attention of NFL scouts.
Durant's rookie season with the Jaguars set the stage for a solid career. He played in 13 games, starting in nine, and recorded 48 tackles. His performance on the field demonstrated his ability to read the game effectively and make crucial tackles, earning him a spot as a regular starter in the following seasons. Over the next three years with Jacksonville, Durant continued to be a reliable presence on the defense, amassing over 200 tackles and contributing to the team's efforts in reaching the playoffs in 2007.
In 2011, Durant signed with the Detroit Lions, where he continued to showcase his defensive prowess. During his two seasons with the Lions, he played in 29 games and recorded 171 tackles. His time in Detroit was marked by his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and maintain a high level of performance, which helped solidify the Lions' linebacker corps.
Durant's career took another turn in 2013 when he joined the Dallas Cowboys. His tenure with the Cowboys was characterized by his leadership on and off the field. In his first season, he played in 10 games and recorded 24 tackles. The following year, Durant had one of his best seasons, starting in all six games he played before an injury cut his season short. Despite the setback, he managed to record 49 tackles and one interception, proving his ability to make plays when it mattered most.
After a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015, where he played in 13 games and recorded 82 tackles, Durant returned to the Cowboys in 2016. His second spell with Dallas saw him play in 13 games, contributing 54 tackles and providing veteran leadership to a young defense. Durant's experience and knowledge of the game were invaluable assets to the Cowboys during this period.
Durant's professional football career concluded after the 2017 season. Over the course of his 11-year career, he played in 120 games, starting in 92 of them, and recorded over 600 tackles. His journey through the NFL was marked by his consistent performance, adaptability, and leadership qualities, which earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
🏈