Damone Clark Bio
Damone Clark is an American professional football linebacker for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 2 in and competing at 245 pounds, he plays the linebacker position and wears number 11. He previously played college football for the LSU Tigers, where he developed into one of the Southeastern Conference’s most productive defensive players. Clark has built his reputation as a reliable tackler and special teams contributor since entering the league in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Damone Clark was born on June 28, 2000, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He lived in New Orleans with his family until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina forced them to relocate to Baton Rouge. The move shaped his early years, and he grew up in the Baton Rouge area, where he attended Southern University Laboratory School.
At Southern University Laboratory School, Clark emerged as a standout defensive prospect. During his junior season, he recorded 48 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions, demonstrating the range of skills that would later define his college and professional career. His high school performance drew attention from college recruiters and helped set the stage for his commitment to LSU.
Path to American Football
Clark committed to LSU and joined the Tigers program, where he had to wait his turn behind established linebackers. As a freshman, he appeared in 12 games, working primarily on special teams and serving as a reserve linebacker behind Devin White. The experience allowed him to learn from one of the program’s most decorated players while adjusting to the speed of the college game.
As a sophomore, Clark’s role expanded. He played in all 15 of LSU’s games, earning three starts and finishing with 49 tackles and 3.5 sacks. That season, the Tigers won the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship, giving Clark an early taste of the sport’s biggest stage. He then earned the prestigious No. 18 jersey from the coaching staff entering his junior year, an honor reserved for Tigers players who exemplify leadership and perseverance.
Damone Clark Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Damone Clark entered the NFL when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fifth round, 176th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Shortly after the draft, it was revealed that he had undergone spinal fusion surgery in March 2022, and he was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He missed the first seven games of his rookie season before being activated on October 5, 2022.
Once healthy, Clark made an immediate impact. In his first start in Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded four tackles, and by Week 15 he set a then-career high with 11 tackles against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished his rookie year with 50 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three special teams tackles across 10 games. In 2023, he became a full-time starter and tallied 115 tackles with 17 starts, including a strong postseason debut against the Green Bay Packers in which he posted 10 tackles.
Dallas Cowboys Tenure (2022–2025)
Clark’s production in 2022 and 2023 established him as a key piece of the Cowboys’ defense, but his role changed in 2024 when new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer took over. His defensive snaps were reduced significantly as he lost playing time to Eric Kendricks, DeMarvion Overshown, and Marist Liufau. He appeared in 14 games with just two starts, finishing the year with 25 tackles, a half sack, and four special teams tackles.
In 2025, the Cowboys hired Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator, and Clark continued in a backup role. He appeared in eight games and recorded 13 tackles before being waived on November 18, 2025. The return of Overshown from injury and the addition of Logan Wilson had made him expendable, ending his four-year run in Dallas.
Houston Texans Era (2025)
On November 19, 2025, Damone Clark was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. He joined the team midseason and contributed mostly on special teams, appearing in six games and recording 14 tackles. His time in Houston was brief but gave him a fresh opportunity to showcase his versatility.
Detroit Lions Era (2026–Present)
On March 18, 2026, Clark signed a one-year, $1.402 million contract with the Detroit Lions. The signing marked the next chapter of his professional career and brought him to a defensive unit known for aggressive play. His current role with the Lions continues to build on the experience he gained in Dallas and Houston.
Driving Style and Strengths
Clark is recognized for his tackling consistency, his ability to defend the run, and his reliability on special teams. Throughout his career, he has shown the stamina to log high snap counts and the discipline to read plays quickly. His football intelligence and toughness have been central to his value as a rotational defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most defining moments of Damone Clark’s career are his 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship at LSU, his recovery from spinal fusion surgery to play his rookie season, and his career-high 11-tackle performances against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. He also earned Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors in 2021.
Damone Clark Career Wins
Damone Clark’s on-field impact is best measured by his statistical production and team success. As a sophomore, he was part of LSU’s 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship team. In the NFL, his Dallas Cowboys recorded a 40-0 opening-week victory over the New York Giants in 2023 in which he contributed five tackles, and he made his first career postseason start against the Green Bay Packers that same year.
College Highlights
Clark’s college résumé features the 2020 national championship, the No. 18 leadership jersey, and a junior season in which he tied for the team lead with 63 tackles. He capped his LSU career with Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors in 2021, solidifying his status as a top NFL prospect.
NFL Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Damone Clark has recorded 212 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 4 pass deflections. He has also contributed 7 special teams tackles across his career and logged 17 starts in a single 2023 season, his most productive year to date.
Damone Clark Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Damone Clark was raised in a close-knit family that was displaced from New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The family settled in Baton Rouge, where Clark attended Southern University Laboratory School. Limited public information is available about his parents or siblings, and he tends to keep his personal and family life private.
2025 Season Performance
Damone Clark’s 2025 season began as a backup role with the Dallas Cowboys under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. He appeared in eight games for Dallas and recorded 13 tackles before being waived on November 18, 2025. The midseason transition gave him a chance to reset with a new team.
On November 19, 2025, Clark was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, where he appeared in six games primarily on special teams. He finished the 2025 season with the Texans, recording 14 tackles and providing depth during the latter part of the schedule.
Heading into 2026, Clark signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions on March 18, 2026, positioning him for a new opportunity. The deal reflects his continued value as a versatile linebacker and special teams contributor, and he will look to carve out a meaningful role within the Lions’ defensive scheme.
