Career Timeline of Maurice Clarett: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Maurice Clarett, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Maurice Clarett is a former American football player, primarily known for his brief but impactful college career at Ohio State. As a freshman, he played a key role in the Buckeyes' national championship victory. He then unsuccessfully challenged the NFL's draft eligibility rules which prevented him from entering the draft early. Despite initial high expectations, his professional career was short-lived, including a stint with the Denver Broncos after being drafted in the third round and later with the Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 2002: Formal commitment to Ohio State Buckeyes

In February 2002, Clarett formally committed to play football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, choosing them over offers from Notre Dame, Fresno State, and the University of Miami.

2002: Ohio State Season Start

In 2002, Clarett began playing for Ohio State, and during the 2002-2003 season, he rushed for 1,237 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

2003: Fiesta Bowl Winning Touchdown

In 2003, during the Fiesta Bowl, Clarett scored the winning touchdown against Miami with a five-yard run in the second overtime.

2004: Lawsuit to Enter NFL Draft

In 2004, after his dismissal from Ohio State, Clarett sued to be included in the NFL Draft.

February 2005: NFL Combine Performance

In February 2005, Clarett participated in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He ran a disappointing 40-yard dash, and was referred to as "Slow-Mo" by the sports media.

July 28, 2005: Signed Four-Year Contract with Broncos

On July 28, 2005, Clarett signed a four-year contract with the Denver Broncos, giving up $413,000 of guaranteed money for an incentive-laden deal.

August 28, 2005: Release from the Denver Broncos

On August 28, 2005, Clarett was released from the Denver Broncos after disappointing performances and incidents with coaches. He never played a down in the NFL.

December 2005: Talks with Steubenville Stampede

In December 2005, Clarett was in talks to play for the Steubenville Stampede in the American Indoor Football League, but he never signed with the team.

2005: Drafted by Denver Broncos

In 2005, Clarett was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the final pick of the third round (#101 overall), despite some experts predicting he would be drafted much later or not at all. However, he struggled during preseason training camp.

2005: NFL Combine Preparation

In 2005, Clarett worked with trainers in preparation for the NFL Combine.

January 2, 2006: Intention to sign with the NFL and allocation to NFL Europe

On January 2, 2006, it was reported that Clarett was going to sign with the NFL and was expected to be allocated to NFL Europe.

August 30, 2010: Signing with Omaha Nighthawks

On August 30, 2010, Clarett signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League.

October 1, 2010: First Game in Eight Years

On October 1, 2010, Clarett played his first meaningful game in eight years, rushing for 12 yards against the Sacramento Mountain Lions.

2012: UFL Suspends Operations

In 2012, the United Football League, which Clarett played in, suspended operations.

May 17, 2013: Announcement of Rugby Debut

On May 17, 2013, it was announced that Clarett would make his rugby debut for the Columbus affiliate of Tiger Rugby at The Ohio Rugby Sevens Invitational.

May 25, 2013: Clarett Not Playing Rugby

On May 25, 2013, it was reported that Clarett would not play rugby with the Columbus affiliate of Tiger Rugby.

August 2013: Promoting Medicaid Expansion

In August 2013, Maurice Clarett joined mental health advocates in Ohio to promote the expansion of Medicaid, drawing from his personal experiences with depression.

February 2014: Return to Ohio State University

In February 2014, Maurice Clarett was invited back to Ohio State University as part of a ceremony recognizing the National Championship team he played on and spoke to an audience discussing past troubles and his ongoing rehabilitation.

2016: Founded The Red Zone

In 2016, Maurice Clarett founded The Red Zone, a behavioral health agency in Youngstown, Ohio, providing mental health and addiction recovery services.

2018: The Red Zone Impact

In 2018, Youngstown City Schools reported that 283 students who received services from Maurice Clarett's 'The Red Zone' saw their GPA increase by an average of 16.5%.

2019: Consultant for University of Connecticut's Men's Basketball Program

In 2019, Maurice Clarett began working as a consultant for the University of Connecticut's Men's Basketball Program, mentoring players for up to three days each month.

2021: Consultant to Collegiate Athletic Departments

In 2021, Maurice Clarett worked as a consultant to collegiate athletic departments like the University of Connecticut, mentoring players and encouraging mental wellbeing.