Damone Clark

Damone Clark Bio

Damone Clark is an American professional football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 28, 2000, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Clark played college football for the LSU Tigers before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After spending four seasons with the Cowboys and a brief stint with the Houston Texans, he joined the Detroit Lions in March 2026. Clark has established himself as a versatile defender capable of contributing on special teams and as a rotational linebacker throughout his professional career.

Early Life and Background

Clark was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. His early childhood was disrupted when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, forcing his family to relocate to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This transition marked a significant chapter in his formative years as he adapted to a new city and community while continuing to develop as a young athlete.

Clark attended Southern University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge, where he emerged as a standout high school player. During his junior season, he recorded 48 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions, showcasing the defensive instincts and playmaking ability that would define his career. His impressive performance at the high school level set the stage for his collegiate opportunities at LSU.

Path to Professional Football

Clark’s journey to the NFL continued at Louisiana State University, where he played for the LSU Tigers from 2018 to 2021. As a freshman, he appeared in 12 games on special teams and as a reserve linebacker behind starter Devin White, gaining valuable experience while contributing to the program’s success. His development during these early college years prepared him for increased responsibilities in subsequent seasons.

During his sophomore season, Clark appeared in all 15 of LSU’s games with three starts, recording 49 tackles and 3.5 sacks. That year, the Tigers captured the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, with Clark earning his first major collegiate title. His progression continued, and going into his junior season, the coaching staff selected him to wear the prestigious No. 18 jersey, a honor typically reserved for players who demonstrate leadership both on and off the field. Clark finished that season tied for the team lead with 63 tackles, solidifying his status as one of the SEC’s top linebackers.

Damone Clark Career

College Career (2018–2021)

Clark’s four seasons at LSU built a strong foundation for his professional career. After limited action as a freshman and increased responsibilities as a sophomore, his junior year represented his breakthrough campaign. The First-team All-SEC and Second-team All-American selection reflected his dominance as a playmaker in the middle of LSU’s defense. His ability to diagnose plays, close quickly, and make tackles in space translated directly to the professional level.

Beyond his statistical contributions, Clark’s leadership qualities earned him the honor of wearing jersey No. 18, a symbol of his influence within the program. His 63 tackles during his junior season demonstrated consistency and reliability, traits that NFL scouts recognized when evaluating his draft stock.

LSU Tigers Highlights (2018–2021)

Throughout his collegiate career, Clark appeared in 42 games across four seasons, accumulating significant playing time as his career progressed. His most memorable achievement came in 2019 when LSU won the College Football Playoff National Championship, with Clark contributing throughout the season. The combination of his statistical production, championship experience, and individual accolades made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams seeking linebacker depth.

Dallas Cowboys Era (2022–2025)

The Dallas Cowboys selected Clark in the fifth round with the 176th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His rookie season faced immediate challenges when it was announced in June 2022 that he had undergone spinal fusion surgery in March, causing him to miss the first seven games of the season while on the Reserve/NFI list. He was activated on October 5 and appeared in 10 games with five starts, recording 50 tackles, two forced fumbles, one quarterback pressure, and three special teams tackles. His debut season showed promise despite the injury setback.

The 2023 season marked Clark’s most productive year professionally. He started 17 games, accumulating 115 tackles, eight quarterback pressures, three passes defensed, and two special teams tackles. He led the team with 10 tackles in his first career postseason start against the Green Bay Packers, including one tackle for loss. His consistent production throughout the regular season established him as a reliable starter in the middle of Dallas’s defense.

In 2024, the Cowboys hired defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and Clark’s role diminished significantly as he lost playing time to Eric Kendricks, DeMarvion Overshown, and Marist Liufau. He appeared in 14 games with only two starts, recording 25 tackles and a half sack. The 2025 season saw similar limited opportunities under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, with Clark appearing in eight games and making 13 tackles before being waived on November 18, 2025. The return from injury of Overshown and the acquisition of Logan Wilson changed the depth chart dynamics.

Houston Texans Tenure (2025)

Clark was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans on November 19, 2025. He appeared in six games for the Texans, playing primarily on special teams and recording 14 tackles. This brief stint provided him an opportunity to continue his NFL career after being waived by Dallas.

Detroit Lions Era (2026–Present)

On March 18, 2026, Clark signed a one-year, $1.402 million contract with the Detroit Lions. This move to a new organization represents a fresh start for the linebacker as he competes for playing time on Detroit’s roster. His experience starting 24 games across four seasons and his special teams capabilities make him a valuable depth piece for the Lions’ defense.

Playing Style and Strengths

Clark is known for his physicality and ability to make plays in run defense. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated good instincts for locating the football and finishing tackles. His experience in multiple defensive schemes at LSU and in the NFL has provided him with versatility to line up in various alignments. His special teams contributions have been a consistent element of his game, helping him remain on rosters despite position group changes.

Notable Events and Milestones

Clark’s most significant career milestone remains the spinal fusion surgery he underwent in March 2022, which threatened his rookie season. Despite this serious medical challenge, he returned to play later that same year and has continued his professional career. His first career postseason start in the 2023 Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers, where he led the team with 10 tackles, represented another career highlight. His 2023 season with 115 tackles and 17 starts stands as his most productive statistical campaign.

Damone Clark Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career, Clark has appeared in 55 games with 24 starts across four seasons with three different franchises. His career statistics reflect his contributions as a run defender and special teams performer.

NFL Statistics Highlights

Clark’s 212 career tackles demonstrate his reliability as a tackler at the professional level. He has recorded 0.5 career sacks and forced two fumbles, showing the ability to create turnovers when opponents make mistakes. His four pass deflections indicate solid coverage skills when asked to defend the pass. The 2023 season represents his peak statistical output with 115 tackles and 17 starts.

Notable College Achievements

Prior to his NFL career, Clark earned recognition as a First-team All-SEC selection and Second-team All-American during his junior season at LSU in 2021. He also contributed to the Tigers’ 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship team as a sophomore, capturing the pinnacle of college football success.

Damone Clark Family

Family Background and Early Challenges

Clark grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, before Hurricane Katrina forced his family to relocate to Baton Rouge in 2005. This displacement during his childhood shaped his early development and required adaptation to new environments during his formative years. Details about his parents, siblings, or extended family remain private.

Personal Life

Clark maintains a public profile on Instagram under the handle @d_clark35. Information regarding a spouse or children is not publicly available. His professional career has been marked by resilience, particularly in recovering from spinal surgery to continue playing at the highest level of football.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season represented a challenging year for Clark with the Dallas Cowboys. Entering the season as a backup following significant personnel changes to the linebacker room, he appeared in only eight games and made 13 tackles. The return from injury of DeMarvion Overshown and the acquisition of Logan Wilson during training camp created increased competition for playing time, ultimately making Clark expendable on the roster.

On November 18, 2025, the Cowboys waived Clark, ending his four-year tenure with the organization that drafted him. The Houston Texans claimed him off waivers the following day, providing an opportunity to continue his career. Clark appeared in six games with the Texans, primarily contributing on special teams and recording 14 tackles during the remainder of the season.

Looking ahead, Clark joined the Detroit Lions in March 2026 on a one-year contract. This move to a new franchise offers him the chance to compete for a rotational role in a different defensive scheme. His experience, durability, and special teams value provide opportunities for him to earn a spot on Detroit’s roster and potentially contribute to their defensive success.