Nevelle Clarke Bio
Nevelle Clarke (born November 16, 1996) is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and playing at roughly 194 pounds, Clarke has built his career on versatility, having lined up at multiple positions in the secondary during his college and professional years. After beginning his career as an undrafted free agent in 2020, he has since spent time with organizations in the National Football League and in several spring football leagues, steadily carving out a place in the professional game.
Clarke first gained attention as a multi-position defender at J. P. Taravella High School in Miami, Florida, before developing into an All-American Athletic Conference cornerback at the University of Central Florida. Across stops with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Breakers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Birmingham Stallions, he has continued to refine his craft, culminating in a UFL championship in 2024 and a selection in the 2026 UFL draft by the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Early Life and Background
Nevelle Clarke was born on November 16, 1996, in Miami, Florida, to Norman Clarke and Regina Boston. Growing up in South Florida, he was exposed to football at an early age and developed into a versatile athlete across the secondary and on offense. The region’s deep football culture helped shape his understanding of the cornerback position and his comfort playing in space.
Clarke attended J. P. Taravella High School in Miami, where he lined up at wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and returner. That range of experience allowed him to develop ball skills and field awareness uncommon for a single high school defender. His play at Taravella earned him opportunities to continue his career at the collegiate level.
Following his prep career, Clarke committed to the University of Central Florida, a program that had become nationally competitive in the American Athletic Conference during the late 2010s. UCF provided a fitting platform for Clarke to test himself against high-level competition while continuing to play multiple roles in the secondary.
Path to Professional Football
At UCF, Clarke steadily developed into one of the conference’s top defensive backs. As a redshirt freshman, he was named to the 2016–17 American All-Academic Team after recording fifteen tackles and two pass breakups, demonstrating early maturity in both the classroom and on the field. He continued to add weight and refine his technique as he moved into the upper part of the depth chart.
By his redshirt junior season, Clarke had emerged as a full-time starter. He was named to the All-ACC First-team after posting forty-six total tackles, thirteen pass breakups, and two interceptions, anchoring a UCF defense that also captured the 2017 Colley Matrix national championship. In January 2019, Clarke announced he would return to UCF for his senior season, choosing to further develop his draft profile.
His senior campaign led to an invitation to the 2020 East–West Shrine Bowl on January 18, 2020, where he competed against other top prospects. The performance, combined with his production at UCF, helped him enter the 2020 NFL draft process as a priority undrafted free agent target.
Nevelle Clarke Career
Early Career (2020)
Nevelle Clarke signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2020, beginning his professional career in the National Football League. He was placed on the active/non-football injury list at the start of training camp on July 28 but returned to the active roster three days later. The short setback did not derail his rookie progression.
During the Vikings’ final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, Clarke was waived. Although his initial NFL stint was brief, the experience gave him exposure to a professional environment and clarified the work needed to sustain a long-term career in football.
New Orleans Breakers Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Clarke signed with the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League on April 1, 2022, transitioning into spring professional football. He quickly earned a role in the secondary, using his UCF-trained instincts to compete at the professional level. The Breakers provided a stage for Clarke to log extensive game reps as a cornerback.
On May 12, Clarke was transferred to the team’s inactive roster with a hamstring injury, a setback that required careful management. He continued with the organization through the 2022 and 2023 seasons, refining his coverage technique and contributing on special teams. On August 14, 2023, Clarke was released from his contract to pursue an opportunity with an NFL franchise, marking the end of his Breakers tenure.
Pittsburgh Steelers Stint (2023)
Clarke signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 15, 2023, returning to the NFL roughly three years after his initial Vikings opportunity. He joined a competitive secondary during training camp and was given a brief window to prove himself. Unfortunately, his time in Pittsburgh was short-lived.
On August 26, 2023, Clarke was released by the Steelers during final roster cuts. Despite the brevity of the stint, the experience reinforced his belief that another spring football opportunity could be the right next step.
Birmingham Stallions Era (2023–2025)
Clarke signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL on November 2, 2023, joining one of the league’s most decorated franchises. He re-signed with the team on August 27, 2024, signaling his growing role within the organization. The Stallions provided stability after a period of frequent team changes earlier in his career.
In 2024, Clarke was part of the Birmingham squad that captured the UFL championship, the highlight of his professional resume to that point. The continuity of coaching and defensive scheme helped him elevate his play, and his contributions as a cornerback and special teams player were key components of the title run. He was re-signed by Birmingham on May 19, 2025, further cementing his importance to the defensive unit.
St. Louis Battlehawks Era (2026–Present)
Clarke was drafted by the St. Louis Battlehawks as part of the 2026 UFL draft, beginning the next chapter of his professional career. The selection reflected his steady development and championship pedigree earned in Birmingham. The move also gave him an opportunity to lead a new defensive backfield.
Entering the St. Louis organization, Clarke brings experience from both the NFL and multiple spring football champions, offering a veteran presence alongside his playmaking ability. His transition to the Battlehawks marks a fresh start while continuing the upward trajectory that has defined his career since leaving UCF.
Driving Style and Strengths
Clarke is best known for his positional versatility, having played wide receiver, cornerback, safety, and returner at the high school level before settling in as a cornerback at UCF and in the pros. His coverage instincts, combined with the tackling reliability he showcased during his All-ACC junior season, make him dependable in both man and zone concepts. He pairs that football IQ with the size and length to match up with larger receivers, a profile that has allowed him to remain a starter across multiple professional leagues.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Clarke’s signature moments are his 2017 Colley Matrix national championship with UCF, his 2018 first-team All-AAC selection, and his 2024 UFL championship with the Birmingham Stallions. His appearance in the 2020 East–West Shrine Bowl also stands as a milestone that bridged his college and professional careers, and his selection in the 2026 UFL draft by the St. Louis Battlehawks marks the latest chapter in his journey.
Nevelle Clarke Career Wins
Nevelle Clarke’s verified list of wins and championships spans both college and professional football. The most prominent titles include the 2017 Colley Matrix national championship with UCF and the 2024 UFL championship with the Birmingham Stallions. His 2018 first-team All-AAC recognition further underscores his on-field impact during his junior college campaign.
UCF Highlights
During his time with the UCF Knights, Clarke was part of a 2017 squad recognized as the Colley Matrix national champion, a noteworthy achievement during a memorable era for the program. His junior campaign in 2018 produced first-team All-AAC honors, anchored by forty-six total tackles, thirteen pass breakups, and two interceptions. Those numbers reflect the consistency that ultimately launched his professional path.
Professional Highlights
In the professional ranks, Clarke’s headline win came in 2024 when he helped the Birmingham Stallions capture the UFL championship. The title run capped a season in which he had re-signed with Birmingham on August 27, 2024, and emerged as a dependable cornerback. The victory validated his decision to continue his career in spring professional football and set the stage for his 2026 UFL draft selection by the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Nevelle Clarke Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Nevelle Clarke was born in Miami, Florida, to Norman Clarke and Regina Boston. His upbringing in South Florida placed him at the heart of one of the most football-rich regions in the country, a setting that nurtured his early interest in multiple positions. The family support he received helped him transition from a multi-role high school athlete into a full-time college cornerback at UCF.
Personal Life
Clarke is known publicly primarily through his football career and remains connected to his Miami roots. While he keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight, his continued presence in the UFL demonstrates his commitment to the sport that has defined his professional journey.
2025 Season Performance
Nevelle Clarke entered the 2025 season as a re-signed member of the Birmingham Stallions, having agreed to a new deal on May 19, 2025. The continuity allowed him to remain a featured cornerback in a defensive scheme that helped deliver the 2024 UFL championship. His experience and coverage ability positioned him as a stabilizing force in the secondary.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Clarke was expected to play a significant role on defense and special teams, providing veteran leadership alongside younger defensive backs. The familiarity with Birmingham’s coaching staff and defensive system gave him a clear path to contribute immediately. His performance remained a key factor in the team’s pursuit of another title.
Looking ahead, Clarke’s selection in the 2026 UFL draft by the St. Louis Battlehawks signals a major transition following the 2025 season. The move to St. Louis will offer him a fresh opportunity to lead a new defensive backfield while continuing to build on the championship experience he gained in Birmingham. His 2025 season thus serves as both a competitive peak in Birmingham and a launching point for the next stage of his career.