Kean Alumni, Darin Hungerford Signs With IFL, Returns To United States After Playing In Germany

By Ruben Nieves | Published February 28, 2022

Darin Hungerford will once again be playing football in the United States. Hungerford, a Kean alumnus, had been playing football in Germany since 2019.

Hungerford, a linebacker, played at Kean for three years where he had a total of 321 total tackles to go along with 21 sacks. Hungerford holds the record for a single game record of 25 total tackles and a career record of 169 solo tackles.

Throughout his Kean career, he was selected as an honorable mention All-American by D3football.com and an All-East Region First Team back in 2016. He was also selected to the NJAC First-Team and ECAC South First-Team.

Before coming to Kean, Hungerford played Division II football, but he knew once he came to Kean, it was the right place for him.

“I’ll forever say Coach Garrett is the greatest coach in America,” Hungerford said. “A great leader of men and he really helped me a lot in life as a man and with the mindset I carry today.”

Hungerford also praised many other coaches and former teammates that was a major part throughout his Kean football career.

“Shoutout to coach Kreider, who spent a lot of time helping me and putting me in great positions every Saturday,” Hungerford said. “I also played with great teammates, really talented guys who pushed me to be better, there were really special moments.”

Kean football head coach Dan Garrett, praises Hungerford’s time at Kean for his hard work and dedication.

“He was the hardest worker in the room, and he led by example,” Garrett said. “He pushed himself to the limits on everything he did, and his mindset was one that was ironclad to just put the work in.”

Hungerford joined the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes of the German Football League (GFL). His time playing football in Germany was an experience Hungerford would never forget.

“Playing in Germany was a great experience all around, I met so many great people within the Keil Baltic Hurricanes as well as players and people from other teams,” Hungerford said. “I made many connections that will last a lifetime, a time in my life I’ll never forget.”

In his 2021 season, in 10 games, Hungerford totaled 121 tackles with 9 of those being a tackle for loss, to go along with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Hungerford was named to the All-Europe First Team in his second year playing in the GFL.

“Being named All-Europe First Team was a great feeling, after my first year I definitely knew I had the tools to be one of the best players in Europe,” Hungerford said. “It was very fulfilling and just more proof of when you put your mind to something and put in the work, anything is possible.”

Garrett thought it was phenomenal when he first heard Hungerford was named All-Europe First Team.

“It’s something that is surreal,” Garrett said. “All Europe means every football league in Europe; you’re one of the best linebackers, I was so happy.”

Hungerford will continue his football career in the United States after signing with the Northern Arizona Wranglers of the Indoor Football League (IFL). Hungerford thought it was time for him to come back to the United States and continue to develop his game.

“I came to the conclusion that it was time for me to bring my game back over to the states and try to continue to grow and develop my game,” Hungerford said. “Soon after deciding this, the coaching staff from the Wranglers had reached out and everything clicked and worked out for me, I’m definitely grateful.”

Despite the IFL being a smaller field of play, Garrett believes Hungerford can adjust and play at different spots on the field.

“He can play multiple spots, he can play defensive end, he could play linebacker, and a jacked position in the box,” Garrett said. “He’s going to excel because he’s a competitor and he wants to play at the highest level.”

Hungerford also knows coming into a new league comes with different rules and different challenges, but he is looking forward to getting adjusted.

“My time in the IFL will really define my career up to this point, but I’m really looking forward to getting adjusted,” Hungerford said. “Any great player in any sport is always able to adapt and adjust to new challenges and I take pride in being an ultimate competitor. I want to get in, learn, and become one of the best at my position while helping my team get some wins.”

When Hungerford looks to the future of his football career, he believes the best is still yet to come and has been working to stay prepared.

“There’s a lot of football opportunities coming with the USFL and XFL coming back,” Hungerford said. “The goal will forever be to make it to the NFL or CFL and I’ll continue to work until then. I’m just keeping my faith in God, and I know my time is coming.”

The Northern Arizona Wranglers season begins March 18 , where Hungerford will be making his IFL debut.

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