Click the video above to watch our More than Football episode, where PFN Senior NFL Analyst Trey Wingo discussed all things on and off the field with Ryan Clark.
While maybe not the “Steel Curtain” of the 1970s, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ vaunted defense of the mid-2000s to early 2010s certainly left their impression on the opposition. And much of their success can be attributed to the two players who personified their position best: Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark.
We all recognize Polamalu as the Hall of Famer with the luscious hair worthy of shampoo commercials and his NSFW highlight tapes. But Clark’s NFL career is worthy of further attention, as is what he has done since his retirement.
Who Is Ryan Clark, and What Did He Do in His Playing Career?
Clark’s rise to dominance didn’t follow the prototypical path. He wasn’t a collegiate star taken in the first round of the NFL draft. In fact, he wasn’t drafted at all, signing with the New York Giants as a UDFA in 2002 following four years at LSU.
And for a UDFA, Clark actually found early success. He made the roster and even earned a role on special teams. But by midseason, the Giants released him and signed him to their practice squad, where he remained the rest of his rookie year.
Scrapping his way back onto the active roster the next season, Clark became a primary backup safety and even received his first career start in Week 7. Yet, the Louisiana native wasn’t in New York’s long-term plans, so they waived him in the offseason.
As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and the divisional rival Washington Commanders quickly signed Clark to a two-year contract in 2004. And after season-ending injuries to two safeties in front of him, Clark suddenly found himself starting next to the late/great Sean Taylor.
However, after two seasons, 140 total tackles, and three interceptions, Washington chose to let Clark walk into free agency and signed 2001 first-rounder Adam Archuleta to be their new starting safety — a move they’d soon regret. (Archuleta lasted one season in DC and retired from the NFL in 2007).
From UDFA to Unsung Hero
As a former UDFA, being on your third team in five years isn’t uncommon. Do you know what is? Spending the next eight seasons of your career there. That’s precisely what Clark did after signing a four-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.
But what Clark achieved there was even more impressive than how long he lasted in Steel City. During his time with the Steelers (2006-2013), he generated 70+ tackles and at least one INT in all but one injury-shortened 2007 season, including 100+ tackles in his final three years.
Statistical production is great and all, but team success is the true barometer for a player’s legacy. Well, it’s hard to argue with the Steelers’ two AFC Championship titles and Super Bowl (XLIII) ring with Clark patrolling the secondary.
And to merge statistical production with team success, Pittsburgh never ranked below 14th in points or yards allowed during Clark’s tenure, landing in the top six in both categories in five of his eight seasons — a feat they’ve only managed twice in the nine years since.
If all that wasn’t impressive enough, in that injury-shortened 2007 season, Clark suffered a splenic infarction due to a sickle cell trait while facing the Broncos in Denver. He had to have both his spleen and gall bladder removed, resulting in a loss of roughly 30 pounds following the procedures.
What Does Clark Do Now?
Following a final 100-tackle season in Washington to end his career, Clark decided it was time to hang up his cleats. He officially announced his retirement in 2015, signing a one-day contract with Pittsburgh to retire a Steeler.
The same day, Clark joined ESPN as an NFL analyst. It wasn’t a surprise career choice, as Clark graduated from LSU with a Bachelor’s in mass communications and made regular appearances as a guest analyst for the company in 2013 and 2014.
Not unlike his NFL career, Clark quickly became a prominent figure in his new position, signing a three-year extension with the media giant in 2021. And he blitzed the sports media world with the same passion and fury he brought to the gridiron.
Currently, Clark covers NFL topics on NFL Live, Get Up, and SportsCenter. He also co-hosts DC & RC, an MMA-related program, with Octagon legend Daniel Cormier, and the Pivot Podcast alongside former NFL stars Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor.
But wait, there’s more! Clark is the founder of DB Precision, a “comprehensive training program for elite defensive backs. Specifically developed for DBs by DBs.” Additionally, he hosts the Face First digital series, highlighting where life and sports intersect.
Despite all of his professional obligations and achievements, Clark’s pinnacle of life comes off the field/media stream. He married his wife, Yonka, in 2004 and has three children (Jaden, Jordan, and Loghan). Jordan just finished his redshirt-sophomore year as a starting safety at Arizona State and recently graduated with a degree in communications.
Ryan Clark’s Net Worth
Clark’s net worth fluctuates from site to site, ranging from $6-12 million. According to OverTheCap, Clark made $15,273,000 in base salary during his NFL career. When including bonuses and incentives, he earned $22,360,000 across 13 seasons with the Giants, Washington, and Steelers. And his 2021 extension with ESPN was reportedly for around $60,000 per year.
However, by the way Clark carries himself and the topics he tackles on air, it’s clear it has never been about money. When he strapped on the pads and helmet, Clark laid his body on the line for his teammates. And now dawning the suit and tie, he aims to provide a platform for athletes who fans far too often forget are just like them — human.