Ryan Clark

College

Louisiana State University

Pro team(s)

New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers

Ryan Clark was born on October 12, 1979, in Marrero, Louisiana — a community in Jefferson Parish just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. He attended John Ehret High School before earning a scholarship to Louisiana State University, where he developed into one of the most physical defensive backs in the Tigers' storied program. Undrafted out of LSU in 2002, Clark signed with the New York Giants, then spent three seasons with the Washington Redskins before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006. In Pittsburgh, Clark became the centerpiece of one of the NFL's most feared defenses, earning a Pro Bowl selection (2011) and a Super Bowl XLIII championship ring. Known for his punishing tackling, football intelligence, and vocal leadership, he spent eight seasons as a starter in the Steelers' secondary before finishing his career back in Washington in 2014. Since retiring, Clark has built a high-profile second career as an ESPN analyst and co-host, regularly appearing on First Take, NFL Live, and other flagship programming — continuing to represent Marrero, Louisiana with pride.