National Football League

Clarett practices with UFL team

Published Sep. 1, 2010 10:35 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Maurice Clarett hasn’t played in a regular season football game since helping lead Ohio State to a national championship in 2002. But the former Buckeyes running back on Wednesday downplayed the significance of his return to an organized practice field, where he formally suited up as a member of the United Football League’s Omaha Nighthawks.

“It feels really good,” Clarett said of being back in pads after a lengthy football hiatus that included spending 3 1/2  years in prison for his role in a robbery. “It was kind of foreign to me at first, just getting adjusted to everything, but it’s a great group of guys here. The spirit in the locker room is great. My teammates seem to enjoy being around each other, seem to enjoy being here at the facility. It feels good.”

Clarett’s role on the expansion Nighthawks’ team has yet to be determined, but his place on the roster is a positive step from where he’s been. Since that national title peak in ‘02, Clarett’s career and his life have been in serious decline. After being found guilty of violating NCAA rules for accepting gifts and losing a legal bid to enter the NFL draft after his freshman season at Ohio State, Clarett was eventually drafted by the Denver Broncos but never made the final roster.

Then there is that criminal history that will follow Clarett forever.

“I learned a lot, but more so just be humble about everything and stay positive in character and keep a good attitude about what goes on,” said Clarett, 26, who also got some work in practice as a kick returner as well as with the punt coverage team.

The UFL and the Nighthawks, a first-year franchise stocked with former NFL stars such as quarterback Jeff Garcia and running back Ahman Green, are giving Clarett a solid platform and opportunity for what he hopes will be a comeback success story.

As for those who may be scrutinizing his every move, Clarett said that kind of negative attention isn’t his concern.

“I really have nothing to say to them. My focus is here with the Nighthawks and the organization and moving forward,” Clarett said. “I’m just going to find out how I can contribute to the team.”

The Nighthawks’ inaugural season begins Sept. 24 with a home game against the Hartford Colonels at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium.

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League