Daron Bland: Draft Pick| Pick Sixes| Pick 6 Record| Stats

Introduction

The NFL is no stranger to surprises, but few stories stand out like that of DaRon Bland. Drafted in the fifth round (No. 167 overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, the Fresno State product emerged from relative obscurity to become one of the league’s most electrifying defensive playmakers. In 2023, Bland didn’t just get interceptions—he turned them into points, setting a jaw-dropping NFL single-season record for pick-six returns. Let’s break down how he did it, and what it means for his career.

1. Draft Beginnings: A Late Round Weapon

Coming out of Fresno State, DaRon Bland wasn’t projected as a star. Yet his versatility, athleticism, and ball skills caught the Cowboys’ attention, leading them to draft him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In his rookie year, he quickly made an impact, finishing as the Cowboys’ interception leader with five picks.

2. The 2023 Breakout: Becoming the “Pick-6 King”

Record-Breaking Performance

In the 2023 season, Bland achieved something no defender in NFL history had before: he returned five interceptions for touchdowns—the most in a single season.

The fifth came during the Thanksgiving Day blowout win over the Washington Commanders: a 63-yard interception return that officially put him atop the single-season pick-6 leaderboard.

How He Did It

• Against the Panthers: He tied the existing record of four pick-6s with a 31-yard return on Bryce Young

• Other Picks: He had interception return TDs of 22 yards vs. the Giants, 54 vs. the Patriots, 30 vs. the Rams, and 30 vs. the Panthers

• Recognition & Accolades: His performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors and a spot as a First-team All-Pro; he also led the league with nine interceptions.

Bland didn’t just match legends—he left them behind. His five pick-6s outpaced the previous record holders: Eric Allen (1993), Jim Kearney (1972), and Ken Houston (1971), who each had four.

3. Career Stats & Impact

• 2022 Season (Rookie Year):

  • Interceptions: 5 (Cowboys team leader)

• 2023 Season:

  • Interceptions: 9 (led the NFL)

  • Pick-Sixes: 5 (single-season NFL record)

  • Honors: First-team All-Pro, Pro Bowl, NFC Defensive Player of the Month

• Career Totals (through 2024):

  • Interceptions: 14 in 41 games (30 starts)

  • First-half of 2024 limited by foot surgery, but still productive upon return

4. Contract Extension & Future Outlook

After his historic 2023 season, the Cowboys made Bland a priority. On August 31, 2025, they signed him to a four-year, $92 million extension, with $50 million guaranteed—making him one of the top-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised Bland’s instincts, ball skills, and football IQ, comparing him to all-time greats like Stephon Gilmore.

With Trevon Diggs also returning from injury and the Cowboy defense aiming for continuity, Bland looks set to be a foundational piece for years to come. DaRon Bland pick-6.

5. Legacy: How Bland Stacks Up in NFL History

FAQs

Q1: What record did DaRon Bland break?
He set the NFL single-season record with five interceptions returned for touchdowns in 2023, breaking the previous mark of four that stood since the early 1990s.

Q2: How many interceptions did he have in 2023?
Bland led the league with nine interceptions in 2023.

Q3: When was he drafted, and in which round?
He was drafted in the fifth round (No. 167 overall) in 2022 by the Dallas Cowboys.

Q4: What are his career interception and pick-6 totals?
Through 41 games (over parts of three seasons), he has 14 interceptions, including five pick-sixes in 2023.

Q5: Did he receive any major honors or awards?
Yes. After the 2023 season, Bland earned First-team All-Pro, Pro Bowl nods, and was recognized as NFC Defensive Player of the Month for November.

Q6: What contract is he on now?
As of August 31, 2025, Bland signed a four-year, $92 million extension with $50 million guaranteed.

Q7: How does he compare to all-time pick-6 leaders?
While career leaders like Rod Woodson amassed 12 pick-six TDs, Bland has already logged five in one season—the most ever by any player in that span. DaRon Bland pick-6.

Wrap-Up

DaRon Bland’s rise from a Day-3 rookie to the NFL’s premier playmaking cornerback is truly extraordinary. His record-breaking pick-six season in 2023 symbolizes not just ball-hawking talent, but also elite anticipation, instincts, and physical ability. With a lucrative contract extension secured and a pivotal role in Dallas’s defense, Bland’s legacy is still being written—one electrifying interception at a time.