Brother Rice grad signs with Detroit Lions following NFL Draft

By: Jonathan Szczepaniak | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published May 7, 2024

 Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft April 27, Northern Illinois University graduate transfer DaRon Gilbert, a Detroit Native, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.

Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft April 27, Northern Illinois University graduate transfer DaRon Gilbert, a Detroit Native, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.

Photo provided by Northern Illinois Athletics

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BLOOMFIELD HILLS — A Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice graduate will be beginning his professional football career close to home.

Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft April 27, Northern Illinois University graduate transfer DaRon Gilbert, a Detroit native, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent.

Gilbert, a linebacker for the Huskies, tallied 51 total tackles his final season and ran the 40 at an impressive 4.70 time at the school’s pro day.

Prior to Northern Illinois, Gilbert played four years at Lafayette College, compiling 137 tackles and two interceptions during his tenure.

A 2019 graduate from Brother Rice, Gilbert was a two-time all-Catholic League selection while playing wide receiver, linebacker and safety.

There are currently five undrafted free agents on the Lions’ roster since the hiring of general manager Brad Holmes in 2021, and linebacker is certainly a position where the Lions could utilize some depth.

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