What Happened to Damone Clark?
Damone Clark is an American professional football linebacker whose promising NFL career began with a significant setback due to spinal fusion surgery. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, he overcame his injury to become a key defensive player before being waived in late 2025 and subsequently claimed by the Houston Texans. As of March 18, 2026, Clark signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions as an unrestricted free agent.
Quick Answer
Damone Clark, a linebacker, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, which caused him to miss part of his rookie season. He played for the Cowboys until November 2025 when he was waived and then claimed by the Houston Texans. Most recently, on March 18, 2026, Clark signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions as an unrestricted free agent, continuing his NFL career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana
Damone Clark was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family later relocated to Baton Rouge due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Begins College Career at LSU
Clark enrolls at Louisiana State University (LSU) and begins his college football career as a linebacker, playing in 12 games as a freshman.
Wins CFP National Championship with LSU
As a sophomore, Clark plays in all 15 of LSU's games, contributing to their College Football Playoff National Championship victory.
Earns Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC Honors
In his senior season at LSU, Clark has a standout year, leading the SEC in tackles and earning significant individual accolades, including being a Butkus Award finalist.
Undergoes Spinal Fusion Surgery
Prior to the NFL Draft, Clark undergoes spinal fusion surgery to repair a herniated disc, which significantly impacts his draft stock.
Drafted by Dallas Cowboys
Despite the injury, the Dallas Cowboys select Damone Clark in the fifth round (176th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Activated Off Injured Reserve
After a successful recovery from surgery, Clark is activated from injured reserve and makes his NFL debut for the Cowboys.
Establishes Himself as Key Contributor for Cowboys
Clark plays in all 17 games for the Cowboys, recording a career-high 89 total tackles and becoming a regular starter.
Role Shifts, Sees Reduced Defensive Snaps
Clark's defensive snap count decreases in 2024, with his role shifting more towards special teams by the end of the season.
Optimism for a Bounce-Back Season with New DC
Entering his fourth year, Clark expresses optimism about his performance in the 2025 season under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Waived by Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys waive Damone Clark, ending his tenure with the team.
Claimed Off Waivers by Houston Texans
The Houston Texans claim Damone Clark off waivers, and he finishes the 2025 season with them.
Plays in NFL Divisional Playoff Game with Texans
Clark is photographed jogging onto the field before an NFL divisional playoff game against the New England Patriots, indicating his participation with the Texans in the postseason.
Signs One-Year Deal with Detroit Lions
As an unrestricted free agent, Damone Clark signs a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Damone Clark's journey to the NFL was marked by both immense potential and an early, significant challenge. A highly touted linebacker from LSU, where he was a second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC in 2021, Clark was projected as a high draft pick. However, a herniated disc requiring spinal fusion surgery in March 2022 caused his draft stock to fall. Despite this, the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fifth round (176th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, recognizing his talent and believing in his recovery prospects.
Clark spent his rookie season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list but made a remarkable return, being activated in October 2022 and playing in 10 games. He quickly established himself as a contributor, demonstrating the athleticism and tackling ability that made him a college star. His 2023 season saw him take on a more prominent role, recording a career-high 89 tackles, solidifying his place in the Cowboys' defense.
The 2024 season presented some challenges for Clark, as his defensive snaps decreased, and he transitioned into more of a special teams role by the end of the year. This shift in role and performance led to speculation about his future with the team. By August 2025, there was renewed optimism about his potential for a bounce-back season under a new defensive coordinator, Matt Eberflus, who was expected to implement a linebacker-friendly scheme.
However, his tenure with the Cowboys concluded in November 2025 when he was waived by the team. This move came as the Cowboys adjusted their roster, particularly after acquiring other linebackers. Shortly after being waived, Clark was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, where he finished the 2025 season. He appeared in eight games for the Cowboys and six for the Texans in 2025, recording 28 total tackles across both teams.
As of March 18, 2026, Damone Clark's NFL career took another turn. As an unrestricted free agent, he signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. This move marks a new chapter for Clark, providing him with an opportunity to contribute to a new defensive scheme and re-establish himself as a significant player in the league. His career earnings through 2026 are estimated at over $7 million.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Damone Clark made different choices?