Will Clarke Bio
William Clarke Jr., known professionally as Will Clarke, is an American former professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League and the United Football League. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft and went on to suit up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the St. Louis BattleHawks, the Detroit Lions, and the New Orleans Saints before landing with the Dallas Renegades. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing roughly 271 pounds, he developed into a reliable edge rusher at the professional level.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Clarke built his game in the same city where he grew up before taking his talents to West Virginia, where he emerged as one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 12 Conference. Across his professional journey, he accumulated 37 total tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in the NFL, while also earning an XFL championship in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades.
Early Life and Background
William Clarke Jr. was born on May 4, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was raised and first learned the game of football. He attended Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh and quickly made his mark as a two-way player on the gridiron. Clarke earned two-time Tribune Review All-City League honors while lining up as both a tight end and a linebacker, demonstrating the kind of versatility that would later define his professional career on the defensive side of the ball.
Coming out of high school, Clarke was considered a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, a modest ranking that did not reflect his eventual ceiling. Despite the understated evaluation, he drew the attention of several college programs and ultimately chose to continue his football journey at West Virginia University. His path from a lightly recruited Pittsburgh prospect to a third-round NFL draft pick underscores the steady development he undertook during his college years.
Path to American Football
Clarke enrolled at West Virginia in 2009 and immediately committed himself to the Mountaineers’ defensive line. As a true freshman, he redshirted to adjust to the speed and physical demands of Division I football. He saw limited action in 2010, appearing in only four games, but his role grew steadily as he added strength to his 6-foot-6 frame. By the time he finished his senior season, Clarke had transformed himself into one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the Big 12 Conference.
The Mountaineers’ coaching staff deployed Clarke as a full-time starter for most of his final three collegiate seasons, and he rewarded their faith with consistent production. He developed a reputation as a power rusher who could set the edge against the run while still generating pressure on passing downs. That combination of size, length, and motor is precisely what NFL scouts look for in a 4-3 defensive end prospect, and it ultimately put him on the radar of the Cincinnati Bengals heading into the 2014 draft.
Will Clarke Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Will Clarke in the third round, 88th overall, of the 2014 NFL draft, making him one of the team’s early investments along the defensive front. He spent his first three professional seasons with the Bengals, working primarily as a rotational defensive end while learning the nuances of the professional game. Although he never locked down a full-time starting role in Cincinnati, he contributed on special teams and in spot duty along the line.
Clarke’s time in Cincinnati came to an end on September 2, 2017, when the Bengals released him as part of their final roster cuts. Across his three seasons with the team, he appeared in games as a depth piece behind more established pass rushers and continued to refine his technique. The release opened the door to a new chapter in Tampa Bay and set up a string of short stints that would eventually lead him back into a featured role.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2017–2018)
Just three days after being released by the Bengals, Clarke signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 5, 2017. He provided depth along the Buccaneers’ defensive line during the 2017 season and showed enough promise that the team brought him back on a new deal. On March 15, 2018, Clarke re-signed with Tampa Bay, signaling that the organization viewed him as a useful part of their rotation.
His second stint in Tampa Bay proved to be a roller coaster. The Buccaneers released Clarke on September 3, 2018, only to re-sign him on September 12. Less than a month later, on October 10, 2018, he was released once again. Despite the revolving door, Clarke remained ready whenever an opportunity surfaced, a mentality that would serve him well as he transitioned between teams over the next several seasons.
St. Louis BattleHawks Era (2020)
In December 2019, Clarke signed with the St. Louis BattleHawks of the relaunched XFL, joining a roster filled with NFL-caliber talent looking for another chance to showcase their skills. He was projected to play a significant role along the BattleHawks’ defensive front as the league prepared for its 2020 launch. Clarke’s tenure in St. Louis, however, was cut short by forces beyond his control when the XFL suspended operations on April 10, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although his XFL stint lasted only a few weeks, the time in St. Louis allowed Clarke to stay in game shape and stay connected to professional football during a uniquely challenging period. When the league folded, he quickly turned his attention back to the NFL, knowing that several teams were still in the market for edge-rushing help heading into training camp.
Detroit Lions Era (2020)
Clarke had a tryout with the Detroit Lions on August 19, 2020, and signed with the team four days later on August 23. The timing aligned with the unusual roster churn that defined that NFL preseason, and Detroit offered him a chance to compete for a depth role along the defensive line. Unfortunately, the opportunity was brief, as the Lions released Clarke on September 5, 2020, as part of their cutdown to the initial 53-man roster.
New Orleans Saints Era (2020)
After his release from Detroit, Clarke caught on with the New Orleans Saints on October 22, 2020, when he was signed to the team’s practice squad. Practice squad roles are designed to keep players ready in case of injury, and Clarke prepared as if his number could be called at any moment. He remained with New Orleans until November 17, 2020, when he was released, ending his last NFL stint of the season.
Arlington Renegades Era (2023–Present)
On November 17, 2022, Clarke was drafted by the Arlington Renegades of the XFL, a fresh opportunity to play a featured role rather than serve in a rotational capacity. He became a steady contributor along the Renegades’ defensive line and was part of the squad that captured the 2023 XFL championship, a defining moment that validated his perseverance through several NFL stops. Clarke re-signed with the organization on January 24, 2024, continuing his tenure as the franchise transitioned and rebranded within the United Football League umbrella.
Notable Events and Milestones
Clarke’s most celebrated milestone came in 2023 when he helped the Arlington Renegades win the XFL championship, a crowning achievement that came after years of bouncing between NFL rosters and practice squads. Earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2013 was another early career milestone that foreshadowed his pro potential, and being a third-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft remains one of the highest endorsements of his abilities.
Will Clarke Career Wins
Across his professional career, Will Clarke has accumulated team success most notably through the 2023 XFL championship with the Arlington Renegades, the highlight of his post-college career. While individual sack and tackle totals are verified from his NFL stint, his bigger wins came in the form of championships and roster survival in a notoriously competitive profession.
XFL Highlights
Clarke’s most significant win came in 2023 when the Arlington Renegades captured the XFL championship, with him playing a meaningful role along the defensive line throughout the season. The title run capped a remarkable comeback story for a player who had been cut by multiple NFL teams in the previous three years. He re-signed with the franchise in January 2024, signaling continued trust from the coaching staff.
Other Performances
In the NFL, Clarke did not record a playoff win, but his presence on multiple active rosters and practice squads speaks to a player who consistently earned the respect of position coaches and front offices. His career NFL totals include 37 tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries across his seasons with Cincinnati and Tampa Bay, providing a snapshot of his production as a rotational pass rusher.
Will Clarke Family
Personal Life
Public details about William Clarke Jr.’s immediate family, marital status, and children are not widely documented in verified sources. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the city where he was born and where he first developed his love for football. Clarke has continued to build his adult life and professional career around the game that defined his upbringing.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Will Clarke remains with the Dallas Renegades, formerly known as the Arlington Renegades, as the franchise operates under the United Football League umbrella. His continued presence on the roster is a testament to the durability and leadership he has shown since joining the XFL in 2022. Clarke is expected to once again play a meaningful role along the defensive line as the team looks to defend its 2023 championship pedigree.
The Renegades’ 2025 campaign will be shaped by the league’s ongoing evolution, including potential roster adjustments and the continued integration of former XFL and USFL personnel into one unified circuit. Clarke’s experience, particularly his time navigating the Bengals and Buccaneers organizations, gives him a steady presence in the locker room. His production as a pass rusher will be a key storyline to watch as the season unfolds.