Kenneth Duane Clark Jr. (born October 4, 1995) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). A first-round draft pick in 2016, Clark spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to Dallas in August 2025. Known for his ability to disruptive interior pass rush and stout run defense, Clark has earned three Pro Bowl selections and ranks among the most productive defensive tackles of his generation.
Kenny Clark Bio
Kenny Clark was born in San Bernardino, California, and attended Wilmer Amina Carter High School in Rialto, California. A four-star recruit according to Rivals.com, Clark chose to continue his football career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he developed into one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the Pac-12 Conference. His blend of size, power, and quickness made him an ideal fit for the interior of a defensive line at both the college and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in San Bernardino, Clark showed early promise as a multi-sport athlete. Beyond football, he also competed in wrestling during high school, which helped develop the hand skills, leverage, and body control that would later define his playing style. At Wilmer Amina Carter High School, Clark was a two-way lineman who consistently dominated opposing offenses.
As a senior at Carter High School, Clark recorded 71 tackles and 11 sacks, showcasing the ability to both stop the run and pressure the quarterback. His standout performance earned him recognition as a four-star recruit, placing him among the top defensive tackle prospects in his class. His combination of size, athleticism, and production attracted attention from multiple major college programs.
Path to the NFL
Clark committed to UCLA over several other Division I offers, arriving in Westwood in 2013 as a highly-touted prospect. The coaching staff immediately saw his potential, and he was thrust into action as a true freshman, appearing in all 13 games and making four starts while recording 31 tackles. That early playing time proved invaluable for his development as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of college football.
His sophomore season in 2014 marked a significant step forward. Clark started all 13 games and accumulated 58 tackles while earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. Already recognized as a strong run defender, he began showing improved instincts as a pass rusher, hinting at the interior pressure ability that would become a hallmark of his game.
Kenny Clark Career
College Career (2013–2015)
Clark saved his best college season for his junior year in 2015. Despite entering the season with just one career sack, he transformed his pass-rushing toolkit and posted a breakout campaign. He recorded a career-high three sacks against Washington State and finished the season with six sacks total, ranking second on the team. His 75 tackles and six sacks earned him third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, making him the only UCLA player named to the first-team All-Pac-12 squad that year.
His performance in the Foster Farms Bowl against Nebraska provided a fitting conclusion to his college career, as he recorded a career-high 11 tackles in the victory. After the bowl game, Clark made the decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2016 NFL Draft, leaving UCLA as one of the most decorated defensive tackles in school history.
Green Bay Packers Era (2016–2024)
The Green Bay Packers selected Clark in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 27th overall pick, investing significantly in his potential as an interior defender. He signed a four-year, $9.36 million contract with $7.18 million guaranteed and a $5 million signing bonus. From day one, the Packers viewed Clark as a foundational piece of their defense, naming him a starter alongside veteran Mike Daniels in their 3-4 alignment.
Clark made his professional debut in the Packers’ season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording one assisted tackle in the 27-23 victory. He earned his first career start in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions and compiled four tackles in the win. As a rookie, Clark appeared in 16 games, finishing with 21 tackles and two passes defended while learning behind one of the league’s most respected defensive lines.
The 2017 season marked Clark’s emergence as a consistent playmaker. He recorded his first career sacks in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing with 1.5 sacks and six combined tackles in an overtime victory. He closed the season with 4.5 sacks and 55 tackles, showing the dual-threat ability that would define his career.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2025–Present)
On August 28, 2025, Clark’s career took a dramatic turn when the Packers traded him to the Dallas Cowboys along with two first-round picks (2026 and 2027) in exchange for edge rusher Micah Parsons. The blockbuster deal immediately reshaped the Cowboys’ defensive front, pairing Clark with an already talented defensive unit. Clark joined the Cowboys wearing number 97, bringing his veteran presence and proven track record to a franchise with championship aspirations.
Playing Style and Strengths
Clark’s game is built around exceptional leverage, hand technique, and a non-stop motor. At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he possesses the size to anchor against the run while maintaining the quickness to collapse the pocket from the interior. His wrestling background gives him an edge in hand-to-hand combat with offensive linemen, allowing him to shed blocks and disrupt plays in the backfield. Teams have frequently leaned on him in third-down situations where his pass-rushing versatility can be maximized.
Career Milestones and Honors
Clark’s Pro Bowl selections in 2019, 2021, and 2023 solidified his status among the league’s elite defensive tackles. He was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2018 after a six-sack season cut short by injury. In 2020, the Packers rewarded his consistency with a four-year, $70 million extension featuring a $25 million signing bonus. His most recent contract, signed in July 2024, was a three-year, $64 million deal that briefly kept him in Green Bay before the trade to Dallas.
Kenny Clark Career Statistics
Over nine seasons in the NFL, Clark has established himself as one of the most reliable and productive defensive tackles in the league. His ability to affect both the running and passing games has made him a cornerstone of every defense he has played for.
Career Highlights
Clark’s career totals include 453 combined tackles, 38 sacks, seven forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, and 12 pass deflections. His 38 sacks rank among the highest totals for an interior defensive lineman drafted in the 2010s. He has been credited with multiple-game-winning plays, including several key sacks in playoff victories. His 2024 Pro Bowl selection came when he replaced San Francisco’s Javon Hargrave, who was participating in Super Bowl LVIII.
Accolades and Awards
Throughout his career, Clark has earned numerous individual honors. His three Pro Bowl selections highlight his sustained excellence at the sport’s highest level. In college, he earned consensus All-American recognition and was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection. He was also named the Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week multiple times during his UCLA career.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Green Bay Packers | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2017 | Green Bay Packers | 55 | 4.5 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2018 | Green Bay Packers | 55 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 2019–2023 | Green Bay Packers | 322 | 27.5 | 6 | 7 | 7 |
Kenny Clark Family
Family Background
Details about Clark’s family life remain private. He maintains active social media presence where he occasionally shares glimpses of his personal life, but he has chosen to keep specific details about his family out of the public eye.
Personal Life
Clark is known for his work ethic and community involvement. He maintains residences in both Wisconsin and Texas following the 2025 trade. He has been active in charitable initiatives throughout his career, particularly those focused on youth development and fitness programs. His social media presence, where he goes by the handle related to his commitment to excellence, reflects his professional approach to the game.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season represents a new chapter for Clark as he joins the Dallas Cowboys’ defense. The trade that brought him to Dallas shocked the NFL world, as the Cowboys sent Micah Parsons, one of the league’s most dynamic edge rushers, in exchange for Clark and two first-round picks. The move signaled Dallas’s commitment to building from within on offense while investing heavily in their defensive front.
Clark’s addition immediately improves the Cowboys’ interior run defense, an area where they struggled in previous seasons. His ability to occupy double teams and free up linebackers to make plays should elevate the entire defensive unit. Working alongside a reconfigured defensive line, Clark will be counted on to provide the same consistent production that made him a three-time Pro Bowler in Green Bay.
The transition to a new team brings both challenges and opportunities. Clark must quickly learn the Cowboys’ defensive schemes and build chemistry with new teammates. However, his track record of consistency suggests he will adapt smoothly. The Cowboys enter the 2025 season with playoff aspirations, and Clark’s presence gives them a proven winner who has performed in high-pressure situations throughout his career.