NAPA – Daryl Worley put himself in a bad spot this offseason. The 23-year old was charged with six offenses, including DUI and resisting arrest shortly after being trade from Carolina to Philadelphia.
The Eagles cut him within 24 hours.
The Raiders signed him a few weeks later. Worley knows he owes a debt of gratitude, and plans to repay right away.
"It was amazing for me, just to be able to get another opportunity because many people don't get a second chance," Worley said. "I was blessed to be able to get another chance and make the best of it."
The Raiders did some homework before signing Worley. Safety Karl Joseph, Worley's teammate at the University of West Virginia, vouched for him. So did a few others, giving the Raiders confidence in the young talent
"That definitely means a lot," Worley said, "being able to have other people speak for your character says a lot about you."
Worley's grateful for the opportunity to play and contribute. He's the top reserve behind Rashaan Melvin and Gareon Conley playing outside cornerback, and Conley's hip injury put Worley on the first team for a few weeks at least.
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He has fared well there, as expected. He has 25 starts in two seasons with Carolina, who traded this offseason despite tremendous upside. He had 152 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and 19 passes defensed for the Panthers.
His tenure with his hometown Eagles was super short, technically making the Raiders Worley's third team in three years.
His legal and professional standing remains uncertain. It's unknown where Worley is dealing with charges levied against him. The cover man said he hasn't heard anything from the NFL regarding a possible punishment.
He's focused on football right now, and hopes to put an embarrassing April incident – he was reportedly passed out in a car blocking a highway, and had to be subdued with a taser – in the past.
"Honestly, I took it as a learning experience," Worley said. "It's something that happened. You can't change the past. Just like plays on the field, you can't change what happened. You just have to move on to the next one.
"I was thankful when I talked to Coach Gruden on the phone. It was a very passionate conversation. He was understanding. People make mistakes in life. It's not about the mistake, it's about whether you learn from it and what you do continuing to move forward in the future."
Worley credits Joseph for helping ease his transition to Oakland and a brand new scheme. He has friends and coaches in his corner, while trying to capitalize on his opportunity, playing well and getting his career back on track.
"I've really been an open book," Worley said. "Really just letting the coaches and players around me make their imprint, and I adjust accordingly. Being able to go out there and show them I'm for the team. Continuing to work and make the plays that come my way, continue to compete and show the guys that I'm here to work."
