FRISCO, Texas 鈥 DaRon Bland was a zero-star recruit out of Modesto, California and only had one offer to play college football at Sacramento State. From there, he transferred to Fresno State and was later picked in the fifth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cowboys.
It's safe to say that Bland's path to the NFL wasn't the easiest. On Sunday, he signed a four-year, $92 million extension with the Cowboys to become one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
"Where I come from, not a lot of people get the opportunity to be here and do what I do, I just want to thank God for it." Bland said.
Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, the 26-year old wanted to get a new deal done before the start of the season. He got the call on Saturday that the terms had been agreed to.
"Kind of surprised, kind of a little bit dumbfounded," Bland said of his reaction to the news. "Couldn't believe it, that I'm making that much and doing what I do."
In Bland's first two seasons with the Cowboys, he combined for 14 interceptions and set the NFL record for most pick-sixes in 2023 with five.
As things continued to look up heading into 2024, an injury suffered in training camp kept Bland out for all but seven games of the season. Now, he's back and healthy again.
"A blessing just to be here and be healthy," Bland said. "Having that last year and missing out so many games, being my first time being hurt, it's a blessing to be here."
Bland is also a new father, and his extension gives him the comfort of knowing he can set roots in Dallas.
"It changes a little bit, now I can really call it home." Bland said.
When Bland came to Dallas in 2022 as a Day 3 draft pick, all he wanted to do was find his role on the team and stick to it. It was a process that was long and taxing, but ultimately has paid off.
"Being patient and learning to grow, having that mindset that where I was at at that point was not the end point, so just keep driving each day, take it day by day鈥" Bland said.
"Not many fifth rounders get the opportunities that I had and be in this league and be able to do what I do, and I'm just thankful for the opportunity to keep being out here."
After starting out in the slot in his rookie season and then moving outside in 2023, Bland has played musical chairs of sorts in terms of where he lines up on the field. That's been the case again heading into 2025, with so many injuries plaguing the Cowboys cornerback room.
With three years of movement already under his belt, Bland has gotten used to how his versatility can translate anywhere in the secondary.
"You get comfortable in the chaos," Bland said. "After dealing with it so much, you get comfortable with it and understand what things can come with it."
Speaking of things that come with it, one of the expectations when players sign a long-term deal is an increase in leadership. Bland believes he can do that.
"They wouldn't give you a contract unless they see you as a guy to help lead this room, lead this team and be the player that I once was." Bland said.
In order to return to being the player that he was back in 2023, Bland wants to round out his overall game regardless of where Matt Eberflus puts him on the field.
"Continue being a complete corner," Bland said. "Inside, out, tackling, making plays, picks, and everything, I feel like that's my biggest goal trying to be an overall, all-around player."
At the end of the day, big money contracts don't automatically mean you're going to be a good player in the future, it's about what you've done in the past. Bland knows that, and is motivated to prove that he's worth every penny going forward.
"It's a new drive, new motivation to keep going out there. And now I got to prove it." Bland said.
