Who Is Darryl Dawkins? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Darryl Dawkins was born on January 11, 1957, in Orlando, Florida. As of 2025, he would have been 68 years old. Dawkins, famously known as "Chocolate Thunder," was a pioneer in the NBA, admired for his powerful dunks and flamboyant personality. His career spanned over a decade in the NBA, where he played for teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and the Detroit Pistons. After retiring from professional basketball, he transitioned into coaching, mentoring young talents and sharing his love for the game. He tragically passed away on August 27, 2015, leaving behind a rich legacy in basketball.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 11, 1957 |
| Age | 58 Years |
| Birth Place | Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 August, 2015 |
| Died Place | Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Popularity
Darryl Dawkins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Darryl Dawkins stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) and weighed approximately 250 pounds (113 kg) during his playing days. His athletic build and unique physique allowed him to excel on the basketball court, making him a formidable presence in the paint.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Darryl Dawkins cherished his family deeply. He was married to his beloved wife, whom he often credited for supporting him throughout his career. Together, they had children who inherited his love for sports. Following his passing, many have reflected on his warm-hearted nature and devotion to his family. As of 2025, numerous tributes from fans and family alike continue to honor his memory.
Dawkins opted to directly enter the NBA draft out of high school instead of attending college. He made this decision because he wanted to make enough money to help his grandmother, mother, and siblings to escape poverty. He was the first player to enter the NBA immediately after high school.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2015, Darryl Dawkins had an estimated net worth of approximately $7 million. His earnings were primarily amassed from his NBA salary, endorsements, and coaching roles. Notably, his unique persona and contributions to the game also led to various business ventures and investments, further enhancing his financial status.
Career, Business, and Investments
Darryl Dawkins had a remarkable basketball career that began when he was drafted 5th overall in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. His career was marked by his high-flying dunks and charismatic personality, making him a fan favorite. After retiring, Dawkins shifted his focus towards coaching young players and even inventing a few basketball training gadgets.
In addition to his coaching career, Dawkins explored various business opportunities, including appearances on television shows and basketball clinics. He was known for his engaging personality, which led to a television presence and involvement in various basketball-themed business ventures.
Darryl R. Dawkins (January 11, 1957 – August 27, 2015) was an American professional basketball player and coach. He was particularly known for his tenure with the National Basketball Association's Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets, although he also played briefly for the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz late in his career.
His nickname, "Chocolate Thunder", was bestowed upon him by Stevie Wonder. He was known for his powerful dunks, which led to the NBA adopting breakaway rims due to him shattering a backboard on two occasions in 1979.
Social Network
Darryl Dawkins was an active personality on social media during his lifetime, where he connected with fans and shared his basketball philosophy. In today's context, if he were still around in 2025, he would likely have a significant social media presence, engaging with fans on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, celebrating his legacy and influencing the next generation of basketball enthusiasts.
Education
While Darryl Dawkins was an NBA rookie straight out of high school, he was also an advocate for education and encouraged young athletes to focus on their studies. He believed that a solid educational foundation was crucial for personal and professional success, emphasizing the importance of education alongside sports.
As a 6ft 10in senior at Maynard Evans High School in Orlando, Florida, Dawkins averaged 32 points and 21 rebounds to lead his team to the state championship. He was heavily recruited by Division I colleges across the country, and he narrowed his choices to Florida State, Kansas, and Kentucky.
