Maurice Clarett facts for kids

Maurice Edward Clarett (born October 29, 1983) is an American former football player. He was a running back for the Omaha Nighthawks in the UFL. Maurice also played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

During his first year in college, he helped the Buckeyes win a national championship. Later, he was chosen by the Denver Broncos in the 2005 NFL draft. Maurice also tried to change the NFL's rules about when players could join the draft.

Outside of football, Maurice faced many challenges. He was dismissed from Ohio State and spent time in prison. After his release, he became a public speaker. He shared his story about his past struggles and how he recovered. Maurice later started a health agency in Youngstown, Ohio. In 2022, he joined the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce Board.

Maurice Clarett's Football Journey

High School Achievements

Maurice Clarett first showed his amazing skills at Austintown-Fitch High School. He played as a tailback on the varsity team. Later, he moved to Warren G. Harding High School and became very well-known across the country.

When he graduated, many national sports groups ranked him among the top 100 players in the nation. He was also a 2002 U.S. Army All-American. Maurice received offers from many top colleges. He decided to play for Ohio State University. The coach there, Jim Tressel, had coached in Maurice's hometown before. Maurice also earned awards like USA Today Offensive High School Player of the Year.

College Football Days

Maurice Clarett played for Ohio State for one season. He ran for 1,237 yards, which was a record for a freshman at the time. He also scored 18 touchdowns. His efforts helped the Buckeyes have a perfect 14–0 record. They won the 2002 BCS National Championship.

In the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, Maurice scored the winning touchdown. It was a five-yard run in the second overtime against Miami. He also made an important defensive play in that game. He took the ball from a Miami player who had intercepted a pass. After that play, Ohio State kicked a field goal. Maurice was the first freshman since 1995 to be the top rusher on a national championship team.

Challenges at Ohio State

Maurice's time at Ohio State had some difficulties. He had disagreements with his coaches during a game in 2002. In December 2002, he also had disagreements with university officials. This was about travel costs for a friend's funeral.

In 2003, Maurice faced questions about his classes. An investigation looked into whether he received special treatment. However, there was not enough proof of any wrongdoing. He was suspended for the 2003 season. After this, Maurice moved to Los Angeles. He tried to join the 2004 NFL Draft early. He won his case at first, but the decision was later changed.

National Football League (NFL)

Maurice Clarett tried to join the 2004 NFL draft. He challenged the NFL rule that players must wait three years after high school. A judge first said the NFL could not stop him. But a higher court later changed this decision. The Supreme Court also refused to hear his appeal. So, Maurice and another player, Mike Williams, could not join the draft early.

In 2005, Maurice took part in the NFL Combine. This is where players show their skills to pro teams. He ran slower than expected in the 40-yard dash. He was called "Slow-Mo" by some sports reporters. Ohio State did not let him have a special workout for scouts. They wanted to avoid a "circus" situation.

The 2005 NFL Draft

Many people were surprised when the Denver Broncos drafted Maurice. He was chosen with the last pick of the 3rd round. Many experts thought he might not be drafted at all. Maurice had not played a game in two years. He also had not practiced in over a year. He arrived at training camp weighing more than he should. He also took a long time to recover from an injury.

Maurice signed a four-year contract with the Broncos. But he was released on August 28, 2005. This was only a month after he signed and before he played any NFL games. No other team showed interest in signing him.

After the NFL

After his college and NFL careers ended, Maurice faced financial difficulties. He had legal fees from his fight with the NFL. He also turned down a signing bonus from Denver. His lawyer wanted a deal that would pay him more if he became a star player.

Maurice looked into playing for other football leagues. He considered the American Indoor Football League. He also thought about playing in NFL Europe. In 2010, he was released from a halfway house. He asked for permission to try out for the Omaha Nighthawks in the UFL. His request was approved.

United Football League (UFL)

On August 30, 2010, the Omaha Nighthawks signed Maurice Clarett. On October 1, 2010, he played his first real game in eight years. He ran for 12 yards on 5 attempts. He finished the season with 154 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also caught 12 passes for 98 yards. The UFL stopped playing games in 2012.

Rugby Career

Tiger Rugby

In May 2013, it was announced that Maurice Clarett would play rugby. He was set to debut for the Columbus affiliate of Tiger Rugby. This was for The Ohio Rugby Sevens Invitational. However, he did not play with the team. Their practice schedule did not fit with his own.

Life After Football

Turning His Life Around

While in prison, Maurice Clarett wrote about his experiences. He sent his writings to his girlfriend, who posted them online. He wrote about his determination to change his life. He said he would never return to prison.

During his time in prison, Maurice focused on learning. He read books about psychology and business. He worked hard to improve himself. After his release, he became a popular motivational speaker. He shares his life story to help others.

In November 2012, Maurice was invited back to Ohio State. This was to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the 2002 championship team. He has also spoken at prisons and youth centers. He works with youth football camps. He shares his story so that young people can learn from his mistakes. Maurice has reconnected with Ohio State. He takes classes and works out with current football players.

In December 2013, he was featured in "Youngstown Boys." This was an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary. It included interviews with his family and friends. In February 2014, he returned to Ohio State University. He spoke to about 500 people. He talked about his past troubles and his journey to improve his life.

Business and Community Work

In 2016, Maurice Clarett started The Red Zone. This is a health agency in Youngstown, Ohio. It offers mental health services and recovery programs. It also provides social work in schools. In 2018, a report showed that students who used The Red Zone's services improved their grades. Their GPA increased by an average of 16.5%.

In 2018, Maurice was part of a business podcast. It was called Business and Biceps. This podcast has been very popular. It often ranks high on business podcast lists.

In 2021, Maurice worked as a consultant. He helped college sports departments. He mentored players and encouraged them to focus on their mental health. In 2022, he was appointed to the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Community Involvement

Maurice Clarett has spoken publicly about his experiences. He talks about the criminal justice system. He believes in criminal justice reform. He also wrote an article about this topic for The Columbus Dispatch.

In 2018, Maurice supported a political fundraiser. This was for Joe Schiavoni, who was running for governor of Ohio. Maurice also took part in an event with Governor Mike DeWine. They discussed ways to improve education and job training.

On February 9, 2022, Maurice Clarett was appointed to the board of directors of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce.