Darron Lee (born October 18, 1994) is a former National Football League (NFL) linebacker. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes before being selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Lee also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders.
The Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday that Darron Lee, the Jets’ 2016 first-round pick, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his fiancée.
Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, moved to New Albany, Ohio, in sixth grade and attended New Albany High School. During his high school career, he showcased his versatility by playing quarterback, wide receiver, safety, and return specialist.
As a junior, Lee led the Eagles to a 9–3 record, helping them reach the regional finals and secure the Ohio Capital Conference championship.
In his senior year, he focused on quarterback and defensive duties, guiding New Albany to an 11–3 record. The Eagles went undefeated in conference play (7–0), advanced to the Division II State Final Four, and captured both the regional and Ohio Capital Conference championships, narrowly falling 33–32 to Trotwood-Madison High School in the state semifinals.
He was named first-team Associated Press Division II All-State after rushing and passing for over 1,700 yards, scoring 21 touchdowns, and recording five interceptions.
Lee also competed on the Eagles’ indoor and outdoor track and field teams. During the 2012 indoor season, he posted a personal best of 7.23 seconds in the 60-meter sprint and cleared 5’10” (1.78m) in the high jump at the OSU Buckeye Qualifier Meet. He claimed the 200-meter title with a time of 22.21 seconds and helped the 4×400 relay team win gold in 3:24.53 at the District Running Event.
On the outdoor circuit, he ran a season-best 43.52 seconds as part of the 4×100 relay team that finished third at the Stingel Invitational. Lee’s participation in the 2013 indoor season was limited, as he focused on offseason football conditioning.
