Former Buffalo Bills Draft Pick Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges

A former NFL first round pick and a star football player for the University of Alabama turned himself in for a domestic violence incident that occurred in December 2024.

On December 30, Hoover Police responded to a call from a woman in the Lake Cyrus neighborhood, who reported that she had been abused by her boyfriend, 34-year-old Marcell Dareus.

According to the victim, an argument escalated during which Dareus shoved her to the ground and used a metal object to damage her car. Dareus left the scene before the police arrived.

Following an investigation, police issued charges of domestic violence 2nd degree and domestic violence 3rd degree.

Dareus turned himself in to the Jefferson County Jail on Monday, Jan. 13 and has been released on a $36,000 bond.

Dareus had a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and briefly with the Tennessee Titans. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2014 and earned a reputation as one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the league during his peak years. Known for his powerful presence on the defensive line, Dareus was especially effective against both the run and the pass. His career, however, was marred by occasional off-field issues and injuries, which ultimately affected his performance and longevity in the league.