Darius Rush Bio
Darius Jaloyd Rush is an American professional football cornerback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 22, 2000, in Kingstree, South Carolina, Rush played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, where he transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts and has since spent time with several NFL organizations while developing into a professional defensive back.
Early Life and Background
Darius Jaloyd Rush was born and raised in Kingstree, South Carolina, a small town in Williamsburg County. He grew up in a community where football has long been a central part of local sporting culture, and he took up the sport at a young age. His early athletic development laid the foundation for a versatile skill set that would later allow him to play on both sides of the ball.
Rush attended C. E. Murray High School, where he starred as a wide receiver and defensive back. As a senior, he caught 47 passes for 863 yards and 17 touchdowns while also rushing for 125 yards and one touchdown. His production drew scholarship offers from several programs, and he ultimately committed to play college football at South Carolina over Charlotte and Miami-Ohio.
Path to American Football
Rush’s journey to the professional ranks began in earnest at the University of South Carolina, where he initially joined the program as a wide receiver. He redshirted his true freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the speed and physicality of Southeastern Conference football. During his redshirt freshman year, he transitioned to cornerback, a position change that would define his professional trajectory.
The shift to defense allowed Rush to lean on his athleticism, instincts, and tackling ability. By his junior season, he had earned a starting role and finished the year with 25 tackles, eight passes broken up, and one interception. As a redshirt senior, he recorded 38 tackles, seven passes broken up, two interceptions, and one forced fumble, solidifying his draft stock.
Darius Rush Career
Early Career (2023)
Darius Jaloyd Rush entered the NFL after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round, 138th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft. His time in Indianapolis was brief, as the Colts waived him on August 29, 2023, during roster cutdowns. The move, while disappointing, was a common experience for young players navigating their first professional training camp.
Just one day after being waived by the Colts, Rush was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs on August 30, 2023. He was waived by Kansas City on September 16, 2023, and quickly re-signed to the team’s practice squad. The opportunity allowed him to remain within a championship organization and continue refining his craft on the practice field.
Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)
On August 28, 2025, Darius Jaloyd Rush signed with the Washington Commanders practice squad, marking his latest opportunity to compete for a roster spot. The move came after a series of short stints with multiple teams as he worked to establish himself at the cornerback position. Joining Washington provides him with a fresh environment to showcase his athleticism and coverage ability.
Earlier in 2025, Rush had signed with the Cleveland Browns on August 11 before being waived on August 24. Before that, he spent time on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad during the 2024 season and signed a reserve/future contract with the team in February 2025. The Commanders now represent his most recent professional home.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rush’s professional journey has been defined by perseverance, having been claimed off waivers, signed to practice squads, and moved between franchises since his 2023 draft selection. His transition from college wide receiver to NFL cornerback stands as a defining personal milestone. Being selected 138th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft marked his entry into professional football.
Darius Rush Career Wins
Darius Jaloyd Rush’s professional career statistics are still developing, as he continues to navigate practice squad and active roster opportunities across multiple NFL organizations. The 2025 season represents an important opportunity to establish himself within the Washington Commanders organization.
Darius Rush Family
Personal Life
Darius Jaloyd Rush was born on February 22, 2000, in Kingstree, South Carolina. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in sport and entertainment management, reflecting his interest in the business side of athletics. Details about his family background and personal relationships are not widely documented in publicly available sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transitions for Darius Jaloyd Rush, who has moved between several organizations in pursuit of a stable roster opportunity. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a reserve/future contract in February 2025, only to be waived with an injury designation on August 1. A brief stint with the Cleveland Browns followed before he landed with the Washington Commanders practice squad in late August.
As a member of the Washington Commanders practice squad, Rush continues to work toward earning an active roster spot. His background as a converted wide receiver provides him with the kind of coverage instincts and ball skills that teams often covet in nickel and dime packages. The Commanders’ defensive coaching staff will play a key role in his development.
Looking ahead, the remainder of the 2025 season offers Rush a chance to demonstrate the growth he has made since entering the league in 2023. With his combination of size, speed, and experience across multiple defensive systems, he remains a prospect with the potential to carve out a longer-term role in Washington or beyond. His persistence through repeated roster moves speaks to his commitment to the game.