Clarett Gets a Second Chance at Pro Football by Lloyd Vance

Former Ohio State Freshman phenom Maurice Clarett is back in pro football after signing with the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks

Who said there are no second chances in pro football.  A comeback story worthy of Oscar-winner Rocky continued as former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett signed a one-year contract with the Omaha Nighthawks (UFL).

After a strong tryout on Sunday, Clarett – who recently was released from prison in Ohio after 3 ½ years served for robbery — was able to impress the Nighthawks and UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue to give him another shot at playing a sport that he was once one of the best at in NCAA Football.

The former “Mr. Ohio” high school football player said of the opportunity, “I am humbled by the opportunity the Omaha Nighthawks have given me and will dedicate myself on and off the field to prove that I can be a valuable member of the team and the Omaha community”.  Clarett added, “I am committed to working hard to earn the right for a second chance in football and more importantly in life.”

Apparently Clarett had more than an established relationship with UFL personnel man Ted Sunquist — former Denver Broncos GM the team drafted the 26-year old running back in 2005 — in his favor.  Nighthawks GM Rick Mueller said of Clarett’s performance, “The things you can’t coach you can see were there—footwork, hands, those types of things. And he’s in really good physical condition”.

The former 2002 Ohio State National Championship team’s hero needed a judge’s permission to leave Ohio to work out for the Nighthawks. Mueller said he’s confident Clarett will be allowed to stay the entire season in Omaha and that he won’t be barred from traveling to road games.  A big condition by Huygue in allowing back into pro football was that Clarett have a strong support system. To fill the roll of Clarett’s mentor, former NFL star RB and Nighthawks teammate Ahman Green stood-up to show the former training camp flameout the right way of doing things.

The Nighthawks should be a fun team to watch as they have several former NFL players including Green, quarterback Jeff Garcia, Holis Thomas, Dusty Dvoracek and others.

All the best to Clarett as he tries to prove his doubters wrong.

 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and Sports Journey Network , who is also an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)