Maurice Clarett Is Back…Sorta

Maurice Clarett the former Ohio St. star running back has just signed with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football Leauge (UFL) to a one year contract.   This is the second chance he’s been waiting for since he last touched the field in 2005 with the Broncos rookie minicamp.  Most of you may remember this legendary bust best by his attempt to leave college early after being suspended for lying to the NCAA and taking gifts.  Others, maybe by his rushing TD against Miami ultimately clinching the National Title as a Freshman.  He ran for 1,237 yards and 18 touchdowns that season.

Clarett worked to win a case where he tried to bypass the required 3 years out of high school prior to becoming eligible for the NFL draft rule but lost and was forced to wait.  He later entered the draft in 2005 where he was chosen by Denver.   He never reached the pre season and was soon cut.

Football was far from his biggest worry.   In 2006 he held up and robbed two people outside of a Columbus, Ohio bar and was sent to prison for 3 1/2 years.  Maurice actually needed the judges permission to leave Ohio to workout for the Nighthawks.

His career really was bright and who knows, he just may be able to dust off his shoes and get a fresh start.  So its not the NFL but who cares right?  Clarett will again have the opportunity to play the game he loves.  Obviously his past isn’t squeaky clean but I’m sure he’s matured and grown quite a bit since his younger days.  He doesn’t seem to be like many of the typical athletes who are destined to make the same mistakes but rather his life will hopefully turn around.

Of course I don’t know him personally but you’d hope someone in his situation can take everything he’s gone through and turn it into a positive.  Only time will tell and theres a good chance he’ll never out perform the UFL.  The NFL may only be a pipe dream at this point but he’s here and he’s been re born into football.  The fact that the UFL was interested in him will likely help to build his confidence.

Other notables in the UFL are Jeff Garcia also of the Omaha Nighthawks and Daunte Culpepper with the Sacramento Mountain Lions.

Last year JP Losman was the starting QB for Las Vegas and is now back in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.

Hopefully Clarett will accomplish the same.