Challenges Faced by Clinton Portis: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Clinton Portis. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Clinton Portis is a former NFL running back and current college football coach at Delaware State University (DSU). Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2002, he is most known for his seven seasons as the starting running back for the Washington Redskins. Portis averaged 81.2 rushing yards per game with the Redskins, earning him recognition as one of the 80 Greatest Redskins.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2004: Adjustment to Redskins' Running Style

During the 2004 season, Clinton Portis had to adjust to coach Joe Gibbs' power running style with the Washington Redskins, resulting in 1,315 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns.

August 13, 2006: Shoulder Dislocation

On August 13, 2006, Clinton Portis suffered a partially dislocated shoulder during a Week 1 pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

December 1, 2009: Sees Specialist in Pittsburgh

On December 1, 2009, Clinton Portis visited a specialist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, due to concussion-like symptoms following a Week 9 game versus the Atlanta Falcons.

2010: Injuries and Reunion with Mike Shanahan

In 2010, Clinton Portis reunited with former coach Mike Shanahan but faced abdomen and groin injuries, playing only five games and tallying 227 rushing yards for the Washington Redskins.

2013: Lawsuit Against NFL

In 2013, Clinton Portis joined a civil lawsuit against the NFL over concussion and head injuries, along with other former players.

December 2015: Filed for Bankruptcy

In December 2015, Clinton Portis filed for bankruptcy protection due to mismanagement by his financial advisors.

2017: Sports Illustrated Interview

In 2017, Clinton Portis revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he contemplated murdering his former financial advisors, highlighting the severe impact of their mismanagement on his life.

December 2019: Accused of defrauding NFL's health program

In December 2019, Clinton Portis was accused of defrauding the NFL's health program by filing false claims and was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud by the United States Department of Justice.

February 2020: Pleads not guilty

In February 2020, Clinton Portis pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud related to defrauding the NFL's health program.

July 24, 2020: Indicted in superseding case

On July 24, 2020, Clinton Portis was indicted on the same charges in a superseding case related to defrauding the NFL's health program.

September 2021: Pleads guilty

In September 2021, Clinton Portis pleaded guilty to obtaining $99,264 in benefits for medical equipment that was not actually provided, in relation to defrauding the NFL's health program.

January 6, 2022: Sentenced to prison and home confinement

On January 6, 2022, Clinton Portis was sentenced to six months in prison and an additional six months of home confinement for his involvement in defrauding the NFL's health program.