History of Ryan Clark (American football) in Timeline

Ryan Clark is a former NFL safety who played college football at LSU. Undrafted in 2002, he signed with the New York Giants and went on to play for the Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Clark achieved significant success with the Steelers, winning Super Bowl XLIII and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2011. He is known for his impactful playing career and contributions to the teams he played for.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 12, 1979: Ryan Clark Born

On October 12, 1979, Ryan Terry Clark was born. He later became a safety in the National Football League.

1997: Graduated High School

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 while playing for the LSU Tigers.

2001: Ranked Third on Tigers

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

April 26, 2002: Signed with the 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: Released by Giants

On October 21, 2002, the New York Giants released Ryan Clark and replaced him with Johnnie Harris.

October 23, 2002: Signed to Giants' Practice Squad

On October 23, 2002, after being released, the New York Giants signed Ryan Clark to their practice squad.

2002: Signed by New York Giants

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

2002: Community Involvement with the Giants

In 2002, while with the Giants, Ryan Clark participated in the United Way Hometown Huddle and "Operation PaintFest" to support the community and hospitals affected by the September 11 attacks.

October 19, 2003: First Career Start

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

December 28, 2003: First Career Sack

On December 28, 2003, Ryan Clark recorded his first career sack against Jake Delhomme of the Carolina Panthers.

May 28, 2004: Waived by Giants

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

July 31, 2004: Signed with Redskins

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

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 had a season-high 11 solo tackles and his first career interception against Eli Manning of the New York Giants.

March 14, 2006: Signed with Steelers

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

October 8, 2006: First Interception as Steeler

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

2007: Splenic Infarction

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

2007: Continued as Starter

During training camp before the 2007 season, Ryan Clark remained a starter for the Steelers despite competition for the position.

2008: Returned to Steelers

In 2008, Ryan Clark returned to the Steelers after losing 30 pounds due to his spleen and gallbladder removal.

2008: Ed Block Courage Award

In 2008, Ryan Clark was the Steelers' recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. He also started in Super Bowl XLIII, contributing five tackles in the Steelers' victory against the Arizona Cardinals.

2009: Deactivated in Denver

In 2009, the Steelers deactivated Clark for the Monday Night game played in Denver as a precaution due to his sickle cell trait.

2010: Super Bowl XLV Appearance

After the 2010 season, Ryan Clark started in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers, recording eight tackles in the Steelers' loss.

2010: Deactivated in Denver

In 2010, the Steelers deactivated Ryan Clark for a preseason game in Denver as a precaution due to his sickle cell trait.

2011: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2011, Ryan Clark made a Pro Bowl appearance.

2011: Deactivated in Denver

In 2011, Ryan Clark was deactivated for a playoff game in Denver as a precaution due to his sickle cell trait.

2012: Formation of Cure League

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

2012: Deactivated in Denver

In 2012, Ryan Clark was deactivated for the season opener in Denver as a precaution due to his sickle cell trait.

March 11, 2014: Steelers Signed Mike Mitchell

On March 11, 2014, the Steelers signed Mike Mitchell, indicating they would not resign Ryan Clark, who was set to become a free agent.

March 31, 2014: Returned to Washington

On March 31, 2014, Ryan Clark returned to Washington on a one-year contract and was named defensive captain.

February 18, 2015: Retired from NFL

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

March 2015: Joined ESPN as Analyst

In March 2015, Ryan Clark joined ESPN as an NFL analyst, appearing on various shows.

July 2021: Started Podcast with Daniel Cormier

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

2022: Created 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 Playoff Win

In 2024, Washington would win their first playoff game since Clark's strong play in 2005.

2025: Son Signed by the New York Jets

In 2025, Ryan Clark's son Jordan signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at Arizona State and Notre Dame.