Mike YoderA key contributor to the Kansas football program’s most recent successful run, more than a decade ago, former defensive back Darrell Stuckey is joining the Jayhawks’ staff as director of football relations.
Stuckey described himself in a release announcing his hire on Monday as “appreciative” for the opportunity to return to KU, “a place I have so much love for,” in a new capacity.
“I came back to give back to a place that deeply invested in me,” Stuckey said. “Through opportunity and education, I was empowered to be more than just an athlete here.”
Stuckey’s job will have the one-time NFL pro bowler reaching out to KU football alumni, keeping them aware of all that’s going on with the program. Stuckey also will act as a liaison, connecting KU’s coaches with area high school and junior college coaches. Plus, Stuckey, 33, will work with current KU players on their off-the-field endeavors, such as the team’s social action committee.
Stuckey, a Kansas City, Kan., native and graduate of Washington High and KU, played safety for then head coach Mark Mangino’s Jayhawks from 2006-09. He was a first-team All-Big 12 defensive back in 2008.
Added to KU’s Ring of Honor in 2019, Stuckey played in 45 games and started 42, finishing his college career with 295 total tackles — second all-time among KU defensive backs, behind LeRoy Irvin’s 347 in the late 1970s.
Stuckey’s eight career interceptions rank him 10th all-time in KU’s record book. A first-team All-Big 12 defender in 2008, Stuckey contributed to consecutive bowl game victories, as KU won the Orange Bowl and the Insight Bowl.
In his statement released by KU, Stuckey said he felt compelled to help the team’s current players “maximize their opportunities through self-discovery and preparation.”
“I look forward to representing the Kansas football program to our alumni base, which I’m a proud member of, and the entire Jayhawk community,” Stuckey said. “I am also excited to share with the high school and junior college coaches in this region why the University of Kansas is such a special place.”
After becoming a fourth-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 2010, Stuckey played seven seasons in the NFL and was a special teams captain with the organization for five years. He made the Pro Bowl in 2014.
Once his playing days concluded, Stuckey developed a mentor program in which he worked with high school athletes. During the past two seasons, Stuckey served as a campus minister at KU, working with the football players.
