History of Ryan Clark (American football) in Timeline

Ryan Clark is a former American NFL safety. He played college football at LSU before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants in 2002. Clark is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won Super Bowl XLIII and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2011. He also played for the Washington Redskins during his career. Clark was known for his hard-hitting style and leadership on the field.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 12, 1979: Ryan Clark's Birth

On October 12, 1979, Ryan Terry Clark was born.

1997: High School Graduation

In 1997, Ryan Clark graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School.

1998: Special Teams Player of the Year

In 1998, Ryan Clark was named LSU's Special Teams Player of the Year.

2000: All-SEC Second Team Selection

In 2000, Ryan Clark was selected to the All-SEC second team by the league's coaches.

2001: Tackles and Interceptions

In 2001, Ryan Clark ranked third on the LSU Tigers with 88 tackles and intercepted three passes.

April 26, 2002: Signed by the New York Giants

On April 26, 2002, Ryan Clark signed a three-year, $906,000 contract with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent, including a signing bonus of $1,000.

October 21, 2002: Released by the New York Giants

On October 21, 2002, the New York Giants released Ryan Clark, replacing him with veteran safety Johnnie Harris.

October 23, 2002: Signed to the Giants' Practice Squad

On October 23, 2002, Ryan Clark was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad.

2002: Community Involvement

In 2002, Ryan Clark participated in the United Way Hometown Huddle and "Operation PaintFest" with the Giants.

2002: Signed as an undrafted free agent

In 2002, Ryan Clark was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent.

October 19, 2003: First Career Start

On October 19, 2003, Ryan Clark earned his first career start for the Giants and deflected a pass during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

December 28, 2003: First Career Sack

On December 28, 2003, Ryan Clark recorded his first career sack during a game against the Carolina Panthers, sacking quarterback Jake Delhomme.

May 28, 2004: Waived by the New York Giants

On May 28, 2004, Ryan Clark was waived by the New York Giants.

July 31, 2004: Signed by the Washington Redskins

On July 31, 2004, Ryan Clark signed a two-year contract with the Washington Redskins.

November 14, 2004: Season-High Tackles

On November 14, 2004, Ryan Clark collected a season-high 11 combined tackles during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

October 30, 2005: First Career Interception

On October 30, 2005, Ryan Clark collected a season-high 11 solo tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception during a game against the New York Giants, intercepting a pass by Eli Manning intended for Plaxico Burress.

March 14, 2006: Signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers

On March 14, 2006, Ryan Clark signed a four-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

October 8, 2006: First Interception as a Steeler

On October 8, 2006, Ryan Clark recorded his first interception as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the San Diego Chargers, intercepting a pass by Philip Rivers.

2007: Battling for starter

During training camp before the 2007 season, he remained a starter despite a position battle with second year player Anthony Smith.

2007: Splenic Infarction

In 2007, during a game against the Denver Broncos, Ryan Clark suffered a splenic infarction due to his sickle cell trait, leading to the removal of his spleen and gallbladder and ending his season.

2008: Returned to the Steelers

In 2008, Ryan Clark returned to the Steelers after having his spleen and gallbladder removed the previous year.

2008: Ed Block Courage Award

In 2008, Ryan Clark was the Steelers' recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award.

2009: Deactivated for Monday Night Game in Denver

In 2009, Ryan Clark was deactivated as a precaution for a Monday Night game in Denver due to potential complications from his sickle cell trait at high altitude.

2010: Super Bowl XLV

After the 2010 season, Ryan Clark started in the Steelers' Super Bowl XLV appearance against the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded eight total tackles in the 31–25 loss.

2010: Deactivated for Preseason Game in Denver

In 2010, Ryan Clark was deactivated as a precaution for a preseason game in Denver due to potential complications from his sickle cell trait at high altitude.

2011: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2011, Ryan Clark made a Pro Bowl appearance.

2011: Deactivated for Playoff Game in Denver

In 2011, Ryan Clark was deactivated as a precaution for a playoff game in Denver due to potential complications from his sickle cell trait at high altitude.

2012: Ryan Clark's Cure League Formation

In 2012, Ryan Clark announced the formation of Ryan Clark's Cure League to raise awareness about sickle cell trait and eventually find a cure.

2012: Deactivated for Season Opener in Denver

In 2012, Ryan Clark was deactivated as a precaution for the season opener in Denver due to potential complications from his sickle cell trait at high altitude.