DaRon Bland: Pick 6 Record, Hometown, College and Injury Update

DaRon Bland is one of the most dangerous ball-hawking cornerbacks in the NFL. As a key defensive player for the Dallas Cowboys, he made headlines with his remarkable ability to intercept passes and return them for touchdowns. His historic 2023 season established him as one of the league’s most productive interception-return specialists.

Bland’s career has also included challenging foot injuries that limited his playing time. However, his ability to create game-changing defensive plays continues to make him an important player to watch. Here’s everything to know about DaRon Bland’s pick-six record, hometown, college career and latest injury updates.

Who Is DaRon Bland?

DaRon Bland is an American professional football cornerback who plays for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 12, 1999, he grew up in Modesto, California, and developed into a talented defensive back through his high school and college football career.

Bland entered the NFL as a fifth-round selection by Dallas in 2022. Despite not being a first-round draft pick, he quickly demonstrated that he could compete against top-level receivers and make decisive plays.

DaRon Bland Pick 6 Record

DaRon Bland earned national recognition for his exceptional pick-six production. A pick-six occurs when a defender intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown.

In 2023, Bland recorded five pick-sixes in a single season, setting an NFL record for the most interception-return touchdowns in one regular season. He also recorded nine interceptions overall, leading the league in that category that year.

His performance demonstrated how one defensive player can change the outcome of a game. Rather than simply stopping an opponent’s passing attack, Bland repeatedly turned interceptions into immediate points for Dallas.

DaRon Bland’s career pick-six statistics

As of October 2026, Bland has recorded six career pick-sixes, according to his published NFL career statistics. His five touchdowns in 2023 remain the standout single-season achievement.

These figures include the statistics listed through the 2026 season’s first four games. His six career pick-sixes also put him at the top of the Dallas Cowboys’ franchise record list.

Where Is DaRon Bland From?

DaRon Bland is from Modesto, California, where he was born on July 12, 1999. He attended Central Catholic High School in Modesto before continuing his football career at the college level.

His development from a California high school player to an NFL standout highlights the importance of consistent performance and taking advantage of opportunities. Although he was selected in the fifth round, he established himself as a playmaker in the Cowboys’ secondary.

Which College Did DaRon Bland Attend?

Bland played college football at two schools: Sacramento State and Fresno State.

• Sacramento State: He began his college career with the Hornets, competing in the Big Sky Conference.

• Fresno State: He transferred to Fresno State, where his performances helped strengthen his NFL prospects.

The Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 167th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His college experience at both programs helped prepare him for the demands of professional football.

DaRon Bland Injury Update

Foot injuries have been a significant challenge for Bland during his NFL career. He missed substantial playing time in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

In 2024, a serious left-foot injury required surgery and limited him to seven regular-season games. In 2025, another foot problem resulted in an injured-reserve stint, restricting him to 12 games.

There was more encouraging news during the 2026 offseason. The Cowboys reported that Bland returned as a full participant in training camp practices in late July after undergoing left-foot surgery in January. He said he felt better during this rehabilitation process than he had after his previous surgery.

Is DaRon Bland playing in 2026?

The Cowboys’ official statistics list Bland as having played in the first four games of the 2026 regular season, including the October 4 matchup against Houston. That indicates he had returned to game action by early October.

However, his participation in those games does not guarantee his availability for every upcoming matchup. His latest practice participation and official injury designation should be checked before confirming whether he will play in a particular game.

Why Is DaRon Bland Important to the Cowboys?

Bland gives Dallas a cornerback who can turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities. His interception instincts, ball-tracking ability and speed after catching a pass make him particularly dangerous when opposing quarterbacks make mistakes.

His 2023 campaign demonstrated that impact. Five interception-return touchdowns in one season is an extraordinary achievement, and his nine interceptions helped establish him as one of the NFL’s premier defensive playmakers that year.

Staying healthy remains an important factor in his future success. If Bland can maintain his availability and regain his best form, he can continue to be a major contributor to the Cowboys’ defensive plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many pick-sixes does DaRon Bland have?

DaRon Bland has six career pick-sixes in the NFL, including a record five during the 2023 regular season.

2. Where is DaRon Bland from?

He is from Modesto, California, where he was born on July 12, 1999.

3. What college did DaRon Bland attend?

He played college football at Sacramento State and Fresno State before entering the NFL in 2022.

4. What is DaRon Bland’s NFL pick-six record?

Bland set the NFL single-season record with five pick-sixes in 2023. He also holds the Cowboys’ franchise record for career pick-sixes.

5. What injury has DaRon Bland suffered?

Bland has dealt with recurring foot injuries, including a serious left-foot injury that required surgery. He returned to full participation in training camp in July 2026.

6. Which NFL team does DaRon Bland play for?

He plays cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys and wears jersey number 26.

Conclusion

DaRon Bland has built an impressive NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, becoming one of the league’s most notable interception-return specialists. His five pick-sixes in 2023 set an NFL single-season record, while his six career pick-sixes established a new franchise benchmark in Dallas.

Although recurring foot injuries have disrupted his playing time, his return to training camp in 2026 offered encouragement. His continued health and ability to make game-changing defensive plays will be important to the Cowboys as the season progresses.