Chosen in the second round (39th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by Buffalo from West Virginia—where he earned unanimous All-American honors—Darryl Talley joined Western New York as an energetic and formidable defender. Throughout his twelve-season tenure with Buffalo, "Spider-Man" established himself as an essential defensive pillar, exhibiting exceptional durability and extensive sideline-to-sideline coverage during the franchise's most illustrious period.

Talley was a standout outside linebacker who combined the quickness of a defensive back with the powerful hits of a down lineman. Playing on Buffalo's right side in the 3-4 defense, he lined up right next to Bruce Smith, giving him plenty of space to rush the passer, stop the run, or cover receivers. Known for his distinct arms-extended "Spider-Man" stance at the pre-snap line, Talley used his keen sense of space and relentless energy to make tackles before plays could easily go outside.

Talley fulfilled his role as a key rotational player and pass rusher before becoming a full-time starter in 1984. During the Bills’ championship team formation in the late 1980s, Talley became the defensive unit's central figure and outspoken leader.

His peak performance period aligned with Buffalo's four consecutive AFC Championship appearances from 1990 to 1993. In 1990, Talley was selected for his first Pro Bowl and received First-Team All-Pro recognition for leading a formidable linebacker group to Super Bowl XXV. He repeated his individual achievements in 1991, earning a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection while anchoring a defense that successfully contained top offenses in the AFC.

He added another First-Team All-Pro selection in 1993, capping off a golden four-year stretch in which he started all four Super Bowl appearances for Western New York. 

Salary-cap constraints led to Talley's emotional departure after the 1994 season. In 1995, he joined Atlanta via free agency, then moved to Minnesota in 1996 before retiring after 14 NFL seasons. Throughout his time in Buffalo, Talley played in every game, with a streak of 188 consecutive regular-season appearances. He totaled 1,137 tackles—an all-time franchise record—along with 38.5 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 14 fumble recoveries. The Bills inducted him into their Wall of Fame in 2003.