Desmond Clark facts for kids
Clark with the Bears in 2008
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| No. 88, 85 | |||||||
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| Position: | Tight end | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | April 20, 1977 Bartow, Florida, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 249 lb (113 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Kathleen (Lakeland, Florida) | ||||||
| College: | Wake Forest | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1999 / Round: 6 / Pick: 179 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Desmond Darice Clark (born April 20, 1977) is an American former professional football player. He played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Clark played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The Denver Broncos picked him in the 1999 NFL draft. He also played for the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears.
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Desmond Clark's Early Life and High School Sports
Desmond Clark grew up playing many sports. He went to Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida. There, he was a star in football, basketball, and baseball.
In football, he played several positions. He was a quarterback, a free safety, and a return specialist. He even helped out as the holder for the team's kicker. His brother, Dominique Davis, also became a professional football player.
College Football Career at Wake Forest
Clark continued his football journey at Wake Forest University. He played as a wide receiver. He was so good that he caught at least one pass against every team in his conference.
He was chosen as a second-team All-ACC player twice. He was also named his team's Most Valuable Player two times. Desmond finished his college career as the all-time leading receiver in the ACC. He had 216 catches for 2,834 yards and twenty touchdowns.
Desmond Clark's Professional Football Career
The Denver Broncos drafted Desmond Clark in 1999. They changed his position to tight end. He played with the Broncos for three seasons.
In 2002, he joined the Miami Dolphins for one season. Then, in 2003, he moved to the Chicago Bears. This is where he spent most of his career.
Key Moments with the Chicago Bears
In 2005, Clark was chosen as a Pro Bowl alternate. This means he was one of the next players to be picked for the Pro Bowl game.
The 2006 season was a big one for Clark and the Bears. He helped them win the NFC Championship. This earned them a trip to Super Bowl XLI. During that season, he had 45 catches for 626 yards and six touchdowns.
In 2008, the Bears gave Clark a new contract. He continued to be an important player for the team. He had 41 catches and 367 receiving yards that year.
Clark played his last season with the Bears in 2010. The team won the NFC North division. They made it to the NFC Championship game but lost to the Green Bay Packers.
Desmond Clark retired from football in 2012. He finished his time with the Bears ranked second all-time in tight end catches for the team. Only Hall of Famer Mike Ditka had more.
88 Wayz Youth Organization
After his football career, Desmond Clark started a non-profit program called 88 Wayz in 2008. The number "88" was his jersey number.
This program helps young people in Florida and Chicago. It offers a free mentor and leadership program. 88 Wayz helps kids believe in themselves and reach their goals. They learn important skills to become successful adults. The program uses a special mentoring approach called T.A.L.K.S. Mentoring. It focuses on developing leadership skills through interactions with peers and adults. 88 Wayz is active in 12 schools.
Life After Football
Desmond Clark has stayed busy since retiring from football. He used to host a show called Dez Clark & Alex Brown Show with his former teammate Alex Brown.
He also worked as a broadcaster. Today, Desmond Clark is a financial adviser. He is also the President of the NFL Alumni, Chicago Chapter. This group helps former NFL players.
