LeBron Joins Dallas Cowboys' DaRon ‘Pick-6’ Bland Movement: ‘He’s DPOY!’ Vote NFL Peers
Late in the fourth quarter of Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland took a Sam Howell interception 63 yards to the house to put an exclamation point on a 45-10 blowout win on Thanksgiving.
In doing so, Bland cemented himself as part of NFL history. Bland, who has filled in tremendously after Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending injury in September, recorded his fifth pick six of the season, breaking the record that he tied less than a week earlier.
"I had to get into the end zone," Bland said after the game. "I wasn't gonna be denied on that one."
With Bland taking sole possession of the record, the NFL world had its eyes on him. Many even claimed that Bland has already locked up the Defensive Player of the Year award, despite there still being a third of the season to go.
Bland and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott enjoy celebratory turkey legs after Thursday's win.
"DPOY Bland right now... it shouldn't even be a debate," Philadelphia Eagles corner Darius Slay wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"DaRon Bland just locked up DPOY! Wow! 5 Pick 6s!" wrote Richard Sherman, former All-Pro corner turned Thursday Night Football analyst.
With his fifth touchdown of the season, Bland has now scored more than several offensive stars this year. Some of the most notable players Bland has more touchdowns than include Davante Adams, Travis Kelce and Derrick Henry. As such, many joked about how effective Bland would be on offense, which he has already proven thanks to playing receiver in high school.
"Daron Bland is a top 10 offensive player in this league! Oh snap, wait. He plays defense for Dallas," wrote Ryan Clark, former defensive back and current ESPN analyst.
"Bland giving everyone a sample of what I'm going to look like at corner next year," Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill joked.
Even NBA superstar LeBron James, who is a huge NFL fan in his own right (though he seems to flop around regarding his Cowboys devotion) gave Bland his credit, simply writing "DARON BLAND!!!!!" followed by several fire emojis.
A former fifth-round pick out of Fresno State, Bland has quickly established himself as one of the league's brightest breakout stars this season. With six games left to go, Bland is in great shape to add to his already incredible season.
"I can promise you he's not satisfied with the five [pick-6’s] he has now," Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said. "He's a hell of a competitor and he's gonna extend this thing one way or another."
