Randy Starks, a defensive tackle known for his strength and agility, played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. Born on December 14, 1983, in Petersburg, Virginia, Starks attended the University of Maryland, where he played college football for the Maryland Terrapins. His performance in college caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
Starks began his professional career with the Titans, where he quickly established himself as a reliable player on the defensive line. During his tenure with Tennessee, he demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, contributing to the team's defensive efforts with his tackling and ability to pressure quarterbacks. Over four seasons with the Titans, Starks played in 60 games, starting 36 of them, and recorded a total of 10.5 sacks.
In 2008, Starks signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he would spend the majority of his NFL career. His time with the Dolphins marked a period of growth and consistency. Starks became a central figure on Miami's defensive line, known for his durability and effectiveness in both stopping the run and rushing the passer. In 2009, he had one of his best seasons, recording seven sacks, which was a career-high for him at that time.
Starks' performance with the Dolphins earned him recognition as one of the league's top defensive tackles. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2010 and 2012, highlighting his status among the elite players at his position. His ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end provided the Dolphins with flexibility in their defensive schemes.
Throughout his career with Miami, Starks was known for his work ethic and leadership on and off the field. He played in 123 games for the Dolphins, starting 96 of them, and accumulated 29.5 sacks, along with numerous tackles and forced fumbles. His presence on the defensive line was a constant for the team, and he played a key role in several of the Dolphins' defensive successes during his tenure.
In 2015, Starks signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he played his final season in the NFL. Although his time with the Browns was brief, he continued to contribute as a veteran presence on the defensive line. Starks played in 15 games for Cleveland, starting 12 of them, before retiring from professional football.
Randy Starks' NFL career spanned 12 seasons, during which he played in 170 games and recorded 42 sacks.
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