5x All-Pro Defensive Lineman - Daryk Maki Remembered

5x All-Pro DL-Daryk Maki remembered.

We are saddened to announce that former Erie Express All-Pro defensive lineman Daryk Maki has passed away Friday, November 15, 2024. He was born October 4, 1994, in Toms River, NJ.

Daryk will be remembered as one of the most dominant defensive lineman in the nation during his time with the Express. A fierce competitor and friend. Daryk was always a player we could count on to make the big plays when needed the most. His attitude and leadership rubbed off on everyone around him and our team was better for it. Daryk was also a loving father who wanted nothing but the best for his children Kaeson 5, and Parker 1.

Daryk played three seasons for the Express (18, 19, 21), during those three seasons Daryk helped lead us to 3 division titles, 3 Conference Finals appearances, a Regional Championship as well as the 2021 GDFL National Championship. We received a bid to play in the USA Bowl Summer Division National Championship in January of 2022, which we also won. For his efforts during that span Daryk was twice named GDFL All-Pro.

Prior to joining the Express, Daryk spent three seasons with the Ohio Golden Knights and Ohio Raiders. Maki played a major role in the Golden Knights league and National Championships. All together, Maki finished his career as a 5x All-Pro selection.

A graduate of Wadsworth, HS in Wadsworth, Ohio, Maki was a standout on the football and wrestling teams. Daryk earned two varsity letters in wrestling and was named All-Region. In football he was a three year letter winner and was twice named All-State as a defensive lineman.

"Daryk was a great addition to our football family from day one. Down to earth and just a lot of fun to be around. We loved having him in an Express uniform and what all he brought to the team. He was a great play maker for us but it was his ability to lift the guys around him that made the biggest impact on our teams success. Everyone was better for having known Daryk and having had him be a part of their lives. Our last conversation was just about life, nothing to do with football really. Just what all he wanted and what he loved. This one hurts bad for everyone who knew him. The world lost a great one last week."-Director of Operations Paul Pennington.

Family and friends, Daryk's viewing will be Tuesday 11/26 from 5-7 at Rospert Funeral Home. 174 N Lyman St, Wadsworth, OH 44281. Please join his family and friends then if you can. If not please continue to lift everyone in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

A GOFUNDME account has been set up to help offset the funeral costs as this was 100% unforeseen and unplanned for. If you are able to donate anything at all, please do so below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-daryk-makis-funeral-costs?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

The Express will be traveling to Daytona Beach on January 18th, 2025 to face the Indy Bison in the USA Bowl National Championship Game. We will do our very best to honor Daryk through our play. We know he will be watching!

Until we see you again, rest easy Maki!