History of Clinton Portis in Timeline

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1975: True Freshman Start

In 1975, Clinton Portis became only the second true freshman to start at running back for the Miami Hurricanes, demonstrating his early talent and impact on the team.

September 1, 1981: Clinton Portis Born

On September 1, 1981, Clinton Earl Portis was born. He is an American college football coach and former professional football running back.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Hurricanes win National Championship

In 2001, Clinton Portis had his best season with the Miami Hurricanes, rushing for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, contributing to the team's National Championship victory.

December 15, 2002: Portis scores 4 touchdowns

On December 15, 2002, Clinton Portis became the youngest player (21 years, 105 days) to score 4 touchdowns in a game in a 31–24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, showcasing his early impact in the NFL.

2002: Drafted by the Denver Broncos

In 2002, Clinton Portis was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the NFL draft, marking the beginning of his NFL career.

December 7, 2003: Portis scores 5 touchdowns

On December 7, 2003, Clinton Portis became the youngest player (22 years, 97 days) to score 5 touchdowns in a game in a 45–27 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, setting another milestone in his NFL career.

2003: Portis's Consecutive Games Record

In 2003, during his time with the Denver Broncos, Clinton Portis began a streak of rushing for at least 120 yards in four consecutive games, showcasing his exceptional performance during that period.

2004: Traded to Washington Redskins

Before the 2004 season, the Denver Broncos traded Clinton Portis to the Washington Redskins for cornerback Champ Bailey and a second-round draft pick. Washington signed Portis to an eight-year contract worth $50.5 million.

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.

2004: Portis's Consecutive Games Record Continues

In 2004, during his time with the Washington Redskins, Clinton Portis continued a streak from the 2003 season of rushing for at least 120 yards in one game, adding to his exceptional performance during that period.

2005: Improved Season with Redskins

In the 2005 season, Clinton Portis bounced back with the Washington Redskins as coach Gibbs implemented more outside running plays, leading to 12 total touchdowns and a better fit for Portis' running style.

January 1, 2006: Breaks Redskins' franchise record

On January 1, 2006, Clinton Portis broke the Washington Redskins' franchise record for the most rushing yards in a season with 1,516 yards in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He also tied the most 100+ yard games in a season.

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.

May 2007: Portis defends Michael Vick

In May 2007, Clinton Portis defended Michael Vick amidst investigations into Vick's dog-fighting crimes, stating it was Vick's property and choice, and downplaying the severity of dog fighting as a crime. He later released a statement clarifying he does not condone dog fighting.

2007: Portis's 2007 Season

In 2007, Clinton Portis finished the season with 1,262 yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns, and 389 yards receiving with the Washington Redskins.

2007: Redskins Jersey in Transformers

In 2007, Clinton Portis' Washington Redskins jersey was featured in the film "Transformers", worn by actor Anthony Anderson's character Glen Whitmann.

Loading Video...

December 9, 2008: Criticism of Coach Jim Zorn

On December 9, 2008, Clinton Portis made negative statements about Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn on WTEM-AM radio, criticizing Zorn's inconsistent messages and lack of rapport compared to former coach Joe Gibbs.

2008: Falls short of 1500 yard rushing season

In 2008, Clinton Portis rushed for 1487 yards, narrowly missing his fourth 1500-yard rushing season in seven years. Despite injuries, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

2008: Guaranteed Salaries

In 2008, the Washington Redskins agreed to guarantee Clinton Portis's 2008-2009 and a large portion of his 2010 base salaries, totaling up to $15 million in guarantees, along with a $9.32 million signing bonus.

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.

2009: Guaranteed Salaries

In 2009, the Washington Redskins agreed to guarantee Clinton Portis's 2008-2009 and a large portion of his 2010 base salaries, totaling up to $15 million in guarantees, along with a $9.32 million signing bonus.

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.

2010: Guaranteed Salaries

In 2010, the Washington Redskins agreed to guarantee Clinton Portis's 2008-2009 and a large portion of his 2010 base salaries, totaling up to $15 million in guarantees, along with a $9.32 million signing bonus.

February 28, 2011: Released by Washington Redskins

On February 28, 2011, Clinton Portis was released by the Washington Redskins after failed contract re-negotiations and repeated injuries, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

August 21, 2012: Retirement Announcement

On August 21, 2012, Clinton Portis announced his retirement from the NFL, ranking 26th all-time in career rushing yards.

April 10, 2013: Inducted into UM Sports Hall of Fame

On April 10, 2013, Clinton Portis was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Miami, recognizing his contributions to the University of Miami's sports program.

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: Broncos Franchise Records

As of 2017, Clinton Portis held at least 18 Broncos franchise records, solidifying his legacy with the team.

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.

March 2022: Begins home confinement

In March 2022, Clinton Portis began his six months of home confinement, which was part of his sentence for defrauding the NFL's health program.

October 2024: Son commits to University of Miami

In October 2024, Clinton Portis' son, Camden, a cornerback, committed to the University of Miami, his father's alma mater, as a 2026 prospect.

February 2025: Hired as Running Backs Coach

In February 2025, Clinton Portis was hired by Delaware State University as the running backs coach, joining the new staff under head coach DeSean Jackson.