Darrell Blackburn
Class of 2023
Born in Huntsville on March 29, 1973, Darrell Blackburn emerged as a prominent athlete at Butler High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, with an older brother, Harold, who graduated in 1989, Darrell honed his skills in friendly competition, often facing off against familiar opponents.
Blackburn’s football career at Butler is highlighted by a memorable moment during a game against Decatur, where he scored the first and only touchdown of his life. As a rush linebacker, Blackburn and teammate Delvin Sullivan caused a fumble in the end zone, leading to a humorous tussle for the ball that showcased both competitive spirit and camaraderie. He fondly remembers the experience as "one of the best."
In basketball, Blackburn stood out as a senior starter on a talented team coached by Jack Doss. A pivotal moment occurred during a tense game against Johnson High School; with no time on the clock and his team down by one point, he sank two crucial free throws to clinch a victory, leaving an unforgettable mark on his high school career. The excitement of that victory carried over as he signed a grant-in-aid to play football at the University of Alabama soon after.
While thriving as a linebacker at Alabama, Blackburn faced a life-changing challenge when his kidneys began to fail. His mother, Betty Sue Blackburn, became his donor for a life-saving kidney transplant, a testament to their strong bond. "She gave life to me twice," he reflected.
Today, Blackburn works as an information provider for Cigna in Birmingham and is recognized as one of Butler High School’s top 25 all-time athletes, remembered for his contributions on the field, including blocking five field goals during his college career. He and his wife, Senitra, are proud parents of two sons, Nicolas and Chase, as they continue to build their family legacy in Huntsville.
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