Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ryan Clark (American football)

How Ryan Clark (American football) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ryan Clark is a former American NFL safety. Undrafted in 2002, he played college football at LSU and professionally for the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and most notably, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clark won Super Bowl XLIII with the Steelers and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2011. His career spanned over a decade, marked by his hard-hitting style and leadership on the field.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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 while playing for the LSU Tigers.

2001: Clark's Performance for LSU Tigers

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

April 26, 2002: Clark Signed by New York Giants

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

October 21, 2002: Clark Released by Giants

On October 21, 2002, the New York Giants released Ryan Clark and replaced him with a veteran safety.

October 23, 2002: Clark Signed to Giants Practice Squad

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

2002: Clark Signed by the Giants

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

2002: Community Involvement with Giants

While with the Giants in 2002, Ryan Clark participated in the United Way Hometown Huddle and "Operation PaintFest," creating paintings for New York City hospitals involved in the September 11 attacks tragedies.

October 19, 2003: Clark's First Career Start

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

December 28, 2003: Clark Records 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: Clark Waived by Giants

On May 28, 2004, Ryan Clark was waived by the New York Giants after they signed Brent Alexander.

July 31, 2004: Clark Signed by Washington Redskins

On July 31, 2004, Ryan Clark signed a two-year contract with the Washington Redskins as an unrestricted free agent.

November 14, 2004: Clark Collects 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: Clark Intercepts Pass Against Giants

On October 30, 2005, Ryan Clark intercepted a pass by Eli Manning during a game against the New York Giants. He also collected a season-high 11 solo tackles and deflected one pass.

March 14, 2006: Clark Signed by Pittsburgh Steelers

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

October 8, 2006: Clark Intercepts Pass Against Chargers

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.

2007: Starter despite position battle

During training camp before the 2007 season, Ryan Clark remained a starter for the Steelers despite a position battle with Anthony Smith.

2008: Ed Block Courage Award

In 2008, Ryan Clark received the Ed Block Courage Award and started in Super Bowl XLIII where the Steelers won against the Arizona Cardinals.

2008: Clark Returns to Steelers

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

2009: Clark Deactivated Against Broncos

During Ryan Clark's career with the Steelers, in 2009, he was deactivated for games played in Denver as a precautionary measure, due to his sickle cell trait, beginning with the Monday Night game.

2010: Super Bowl XLV Appearance

After the 2010 season, Ryan Clark started in the Steelers' appearance in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers.

2010: Clark Deactivated Against Broncos

During Ryan Clark's career with the Steelers, in 2010, he was deactivated for games played in Denver as a precautionary measure, due to his sickle cell trait, specifically a preseason game.

2011: Clark Deactivated Against Broncos

During Ryan Clark's career with the Steelers, in 2011, he was deactivated for games played in Denver as a precautionary measure, due to his sickle cell trait, specifically a playoff game.

2011: Clark Makes Pro Bowl

In 2011, Ryan Clark made a Pro Bowl appearance during his NFL career.

2012: Clark Deactivated Against Broncos

During Ryan Clark's career with the Steelers, in 2012, he was deactivated for games played in Denver as a precautionary measure, due to his sickle cell trait, for the season opener.

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.

March 11, 2014: Steelers Sign Mike Mitchell

On March 11, 2014, the Steelers signed Mike Mitchell to replace Ryan Clark, who was set to become a free agent.

March 31, 2014: Clark Returns to Washington

On March 31, 2014, Ryan Clark signed a one-year contract to return to Washington.

February 18, 2015: Clark Announces Retirement

On February 18, 2015, Ryan Clark announced his retirement from the NFL, as a Steeler.

March 2015: Clark Joins ESPN as Analyst

In March 2015, Ryan Clark was signed by ESPN as an NFL analyst.

July 2021: DC & RC Podcast

In July 2021, Ryan Clark and Daniel Cormier began hosting the weekly MMA podcast DC & RC on ESPN.

2022: The Pivot Podcast

In 2022, Ryan Clark partnered with Shots Podcast Network to create The Pivot Podcast with Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.

2023: Sports Emmy Award

In 2023, Ryan Clark won the "Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst" category at the 44th Sports Emmy Awards.

2024: Redskins Finally Win Another Playoff Game

It wasn't until 2024 that the Washington Redskins, formerly the Washington Football Team and currently the Washington Commanders, would win another playoff game.