In an unexpected twist, a Premier League football defender has set his sights on a dramatic career pivot, drawing inspiration from darts legend Michael van Gerwen. The footballer, known for his tenacity on the pitch, revealed his burgeoning passion for darts, boldly claiming, “I’m averaging around 75 now and will definitely try” to make a mark in the professional darts scene. This surprising ambition highlights the growing crossover between traditional sports and the high-stakes world of competitive darts, a sport that demands precision, focus, and nerves of steel.
The unnamed defender, a stalwart in the English Premier League, has been quietly honing his darts skills during his downtime. Averaging 75—a respectable score for an amateur—demonstrates a level of commitment that goes beyond casual pub games. For context, professional darts players like Van Gerwen, a three-time PDC World Champion, often average over 100 in televised matches, with Van Gerwen himself setting a record-breaking 123.40 in a 2016 Premier League match. The defender’s current average, while modest in professional terms, signals serious intent, especially considering the steep learning curve of the sport. His determination to “definitely try” reflects a mindset of ambition and resilience, qualities that have already made him a standout in football.
Van Gerwen, affectionately known as “Mighty Mike” or the “Green Machine,” is a towering figure in darts, with a career boasting 66 televised titles, including seven Premier League crowns and three World Championships. His dominance, particularly from 2015 to 2018, saw him clinch tournament after tournament, amassing over £7.5 million in prize money and a net worth estimated at £10 million. The defender’s admiration for Van Gerwen is no surprise—his relentless drive and ability to perform under pressure mirror the attributes required to succeed in the Premier League’s unforgiving environment. “I know what I’m capable of,” Van Gerwen once said after a 2020 match, a sentiment that seems to resonate with the footballer’s own aspirations.
The defender’s interest in darts comes at a time when the sport is enjoying a surge in popularity, fueled by young stars like Luke Littler, who, at 17, became the youngest PDC World Champion by defeating Van Gerwen in a thrilling 7-3 final in January 2025. Littler’s meteoric rise has inspired athletes from other disciplines to take darts seriously, seeing it as a viable avenue for competitive success. The Premier League defender, who has faced high-pressure moments in front of thousands of fans, likely sees parallels between the roar of a football stadium and the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, where darts fans create a feverish backdrop for players.
Transitioning from football to darts is no small feat. The physical demands differ vastly—football requires endurance and athleticism, while darts hinges on mental fortitude and pinpoint accuracy. However, the defender’s competitive background could give him an edge. As Van Gerwen himself noted after a comeback victory in 2023, “You have to believe in your own ability.” The defender’s experience in handling Premier League pressure—whether marking top strikers or staying composed during penalty shootouts—could translate into the steely focus needed to hit a double under the spotlight.
The football star’s journey into darts is still in its early stages, but his commitment to improving his average and his bold declaration to “definitely try” suggest he’s not treating this as a mere hobby. Training regimens for darts involve hours of repetitive practice, refining technique, and building mental stamina, much like the discipline required in football. The defender may also draw inspiration from Van Gerwen’s own career arc, which saw him rise from a teenage prodigy to a global icon. At 17, Van Gerwen was already making waves, defeating top players like Martin Adams in the BDO circuit, sporting a now-iconic green shirt and heavily gelled blonde hair—a far cry from his current bald-headed, battle-hardened persona.
As the Premier League season continues, fans will be watching not only for the defender’s performances on the pitch but also for updates on his darts journey. Will he follow in the footsteps of Van Gerwen, who turned potential into a legacy of dominance? Or will this be a fleeting passion, overshadowed by the demands of his football career? For now, the defender’s dream of emulating the “Green Machine” adds an intriguing chapter to the evolving narrative of sports crossovers. With his average climbing and his determination clear, the oche might just see a new contender step up, ready to trade tackles for tungsten.
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