Maurice Clarett
| No. 20, 13 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 29, 1983 Youngstown, Ohio, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight: | 234 lb (106 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Warren G. Harding (Warren, Ohio) |
| College: | Ohio State (2002–2003) |
| NFL draft: | 2005: 3rd round, 101st pick |
| Career history | |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Maurice Edward Clarett (born October 29, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. During his freshman year he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. In a widely unexpected move Clarett was selected on the first day of the 2005 NFL draft with the final pick of the third round (#101 overall) by the Denver Broncos. Clarett unsuccessfully challenged the NFL's draft eligibility rules that required a player to be three years removed from high school.
His tumultuous life outside football included his dismissal from Ohio State, several arrests, and imprisonment. In the years after his release from prison, Clarett became a public speaker, talking candidly about his previous struggles and recovery. Later, Clarett founded a behavioral health agency in Youngstown, Ohio. In recent years, Clarett was appointed to the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce Board in February 2022.