In a move that sent ripples through the NFL landscape, the Dallas Cowboys made the tough call to part ways with linebacker Damone Clark on Tuesday afternoon. The decision cleared a roster spot for the triumphant return of defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, who was activated from injured reserve following a standout preseason performance. But what seemed like a routine roster shuffle quickly turned into a whirlwind story of redemption and rivalry.
Clark, a fan-favorite in Big D, had been a steady presence for the Cowboys over his four-year tenure. This season, he started just two games, but his impact was undeniable in prior years—most notably in 2023, when he anchored the defense by starting all 17 games. Across 26 career starts, Clark brought grit and determination to a unit that often needed it most.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer didn’t hold back on his admiration for the young linebacker post-release. “What an incredible young man he is,” Schottenheimer shared in a heartfelt conversation with Clark. “Hey, man, your career is just getting started. Sometimes change is good. I really believe that. That’s not bulls***.” Little did anyone know, that silver lining would materialize faster than a Texas thunderstorm—within a mere 24 hours.
By Wednesday evening, the news broke like a bombshell: Clark had been claimed off waivers by none other than the Houston Texans. Now, he’ll suit up under the guidance of DeMeco Ryans, one of the league’s most revered linebackers in recent memory and a defensive mastermind as head coach. The in-state rivalry just got a whole lot spicier, with Clark crossing enemy lines to chase a fresh chapter in his promising career.
The move has left Cowboys Nation buzzing with mixed emotions—shock at the sudden departure, pride in Clark’s resilience, and a touch of envy as he lands in a potentially perfect setup. Dallas fans, who’ve cheered him through thick and thin, are rallying behind him, wishing nothing but success in his new Houston home.
Let’s rewind on Clark’s journey to appreciate the full arc. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, he arrived with a pedigree that screamed star potential. At LSU, Clark was a force: first-team All-SEC, an All-American, and a key cog in the Tigers’ national championship run. Honored by his coaches, he donned the iconic No. 18 jersey—a badge of leadership and excellence.
His rookie year was derailed by a spinal fusion injury, testing his mettle from the jump. But Clark bounced back spectacularly in Year 2, exploding onto the scene with 109 tackles across a full slate of starts. Yet, the Cowboys’ revolving door of defensive coordinators threw him off rhythm, relegating him to a backup role where he struggled to regain his dominant form.
Now, with Ryans at the helm—a coach known for unlocking linebacker talent—Clark has a golden opportunity to rediscover that LSU swagger. Will he thrive in Houston’s rising defense? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: this “Dallas dump” feels like an instant upgrade for a player poised for greatness. Cowboys fans, brace yourselves—the Lone Star State showdowns just leveled up.