Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Darqueze Dennard: 'Never give up on dreams'

Darqueze Dennard doesn't reflect often.

The former Michigan State star defensive back usually is too busy to do that.

But as the 26-year old Dennard recently looked back on his journey, he said his path to reaching the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals has felt surreal.

"I just feel blessed. I’m living my dreams," Dennard said. "I started a foundation to do stuff back in my hometown and give these guys the same opportunities that I had since going to college and getting a college degree. 

"It’s just like a dream come true. Some days I really don’t realize how real it is. It’s kind of like a dream."

Dennard, who is heading into his fifth season in the NFL, didn't always know if things would turn out this way for him as he was lightly recruited out of Dry Branch, Georgia - a town that featured just one caution light.

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And Dennard will share his story next month when he's the featured speaker at the third annual Lansing State Journal Sports Awards.

Dennard felt the frustration as a teenager with not being noticed and even thought his desires of being a Division I college football player were an afterthought. But he never gave up. And that's the message he will deliver to student-athletes in the Lansing area next month.

"For me personally, I dealt with a lot in my life," Dennard said. "I wasn’t heavily recruited, I wanted to play at a (high) level, and it just so happens I get blessed enough to get scouted by mistake pretty much. The main message is whatever your goal is and whatever you want to do in your life, it’s all possible no matter your background. As long as you’ve got faith, work hard, be disciplined and have faith in God, it will all work out." 

Things worked out for Dennard, who got noticed by MSU in his final high school game when his team faced Spartan commit Keith Mumphery. That led him to East Lansing where he took advantage of his opportunities and was a three-year starter, an All-American and part of the Rose Bowl championship squad. 

Dennard became the first MSU football player selected in the first round of the NFL draft under coach Mark Dantonio in 2014. And now he's continuing to try to prove himself as a pro.

Dennard has battled injuries during his NFL career, but last season was healthy and had a breakout season for the Bengals. He set career highs with 85 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions, which included returning one for a touchdown.

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"I have a lot to build on and I have a lot to prove still," Dennard said. "I think I'm an All-Pro or Pro Bowl-caliber player and I just think I need to continue to do what I'm doing and be healthy."

Dennard felt he made the most of his opportunities during his breakout performance last season. That is one of the lessons that has resonated with him most during his time in the NFL. He also believes it applies to anything in life.

"(You have to) be patient, make the best of your opportunities and don’t make excuses," Dennard said. "Basically stay ready. Prepare like you are going to get that job or like you are the starter, because when you get that call you’re already prepared and you know how to handle it."

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @brian_calloway.

Lansing State Journal Sports Awards

Join us for a night dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Greater Lansing’s best athletes. We’ll recognize outstanding performances both on and off the field. We’ll also hear from former Michigan State star and Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Darqueze Dennard.

When: May 30; doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.

Where: Wharton Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing

Tickets: The general public can buy tickets at sportsawards.lansingstatejournal.com. Cost is $32.