Darius Vito Victor, born on March 6, 1994, has emerged as one of the most promising running backs in the United States Football League (USFL). The New Jersey Generals‘ star player had a tumultuous journey, beginning with his birth in a refugee camp in the Ivory Coast during the First Liberian Civil War. But Victor’s resilience and unwavering determination propelled him to become the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year in the USFL.
A Standout in High School and College
Victor attended Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he was the leading rusher in the state, amassing 2,107 yards and 31 touchdowns in his senior year. His exceptional performance led to all-state honors, but Victor was only ranked a 2-star recruit (73) by 247Sports.
At Towson University, Victor continued to excel on the field. As a true freshman, he gained 629 yards and scored seven touchdowns, earning him the title of CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year. Over his college career, Victor would accumulate more than 3,300 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The Road to USFL Stardom
Despite his success in college, Victor went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent time with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and Hamilton Tiger-cats before being selected by the New York Guardians in the 2020 XFL Draft. When the XFL suspended operations in April 2020, Victor found himself without a team once again.
But Victor’s story doesn’t end there. He was drafted by the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League, where he emerged as a standout player. Victor’s exceptional performance in the 2022 season, which included nine touchdown runs, earned him the 2022 United States Football League Offensive Player of the Year award.
A Symbol of Resilience and Determination
Darius Victor’s journey from a Liberian refugee camp to a star running back in the USFL is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, Victor never lost sight of his goals, and his relentless work ethic has made him a role model for aspiring athletes.
With the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year title under his belt, Victor’s future in professional football looks bright. And while he recently worked out with the New Orleans Saints, no deal was reached. Regardless of where his career takes him next, Darius Victor has proven that no obstacle is insurmountable, and his story will continue to inspire football fans and players alike. He will be a player to watch in the USFL for the 2023 season.