Delvin Hughley

  Hughley’s greatest athletic successes were in football, but he came to the sport later than most. A 1996 graduate of Anniston High School, Hughley preferred basketball. As a senior during the 1995-96 basketball season, Hughley earned MVP recognition as the Bulldogs won the Shades Valley Invitational tournament in late December. Hughley was chosen as the outstanding defensive player of the 1996 Calhoun County basketball tournament after Anniston defeated Alexandria 75-66 in the championship game.

       The Bulldogs advanced to the Northeast Regional tournament and finished with a record of 24-3. He was one of five players named to the Anniston Star’s 4A-6A first team All-Calhoun County at the end of his senior season.

      Hughley first played high school football as a senior. A defensive back, he made 31 solo tackles and assisted on another 15 stops, had two interceptions and added two sacks.

      His high school success earned Hughley a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University. At JSU, he was known for his ability to read offenses, deliver hard hits and make crucial plays. 

      In his junior season, Hughley earned second-team All-Southland Football League honors as a defensive back. His resume included three interceptions and nine pass breakups. He also blocked two kicks playing on special teams.

       As a senior in 2000, Hughley was selected as the Southland Football League Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against Nicholls State in Week 2 of the season. On the game’s first play from scrimmage, he intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards for the only touchdown in the Gamecocks’ 10-3 win.

     Hughley finished the season with 65 tackles, two interceptions and 16 passes broken up. He was named first-team All-Southland Football League at cornerback and received All-America honors. Hughley was selected to play in the 2000 Blue/Gray All-Star Classic.

       Professionally, Hughley signed free agent contracts with the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos. He then played six seasons in the Arena Football League from 2003 through 2008. He was with the Colorado Crush for five seasons and spent 2004 with the Indiana Firebirds. His career statistical totals included eight interceptions, 59 passes broken up, and 312 solo tackles.