DaRon Bland is more than the “Pick-6 King” - takes on new nickname for Cowboys 2025 season
The Cowboys are dealing with several injuries to the defensive backfield, but cornerback DaRon Bland is stepping up, prompting a new nickname from coaches.
In 2023, Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland set NFL records for most pick-sixes in a season as well as most defensive touchdowns in a season with five total. That’s the type of play that earned him the nickname “Pick-6 King”.
Unfortunately in 2024, he suffered an injury to his foot during the preseason and it caused him to miss significant time in the regular season. But he’s back now, and his play during training camp is earning him a new, but equally formidable nickname.
DaRon Bland embraces new title amid injury crisis
With injuries plaguing the Cowboys’ secondary, All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is stepping into a new role, and embracing a new identity. Once nicknamed the “Pick-6 King”, Bland is now being called “The Weapon” by Dallas coaches due to his versatility across the defense.
A turnover on the first play of practice: DaRon Bland punches the ball free from Hunter Luepke and Donovan Ezeiruaku recovers #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/wlplWanJPT
— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) August 7, 2025
“We like to call him ‘The Weapon’ on defense,” Cowboys secondary and nickelbacks coach Darrian Thompson said, via the Dallas Morning News.
As cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Josh Butler, plus rookie Shavon Revel remain sidelined, Bland is expected to play both inside and outside in the defensive backfield, giving him the chance to lead a depleted unit while aiming for a bounce-back season after his injury struggles in 2024.
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