Desmond Clark

Desmond Clark is an American former professional football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. After a historic collegiate career at Wake Forest. He is best known for his productive eight-year tenure as a key offensive weapon for the Chicago Bears.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Desmond Darice Clark was born on April 20, 1977, in Bartow, Florida, United States. The tight end stands 191 cm tall, and played at a listed weight of 113 kg.

He attended Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida, where he was a versatile, multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball.

Committing to Wake Forest University, Clark transitioned to wide receiver for the Demon Deacons. He had an incredibly productive collegiate career, earning two Second-team All-ACC selections (1996, 1998) and two team MVP awards. Notably, he caught at least one pass against every ACC opponent he faced and finished his time at Wake Forest as the ACC's all-time leading receiver with 216 receptions for 2,834 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Professional Career

Clark was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round (179th overall) of the 1999 NFL Draft.

Transitioning from college wide receiver to NFL tight end, he spent his first three professional seasons developing his blocking skills and contributing to the Broncos' passing attack. After a brief one-year stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2002, Clark found his long-term professional home when he signed with the Chicago Bears in 2003.

Over his eight seasons in Chicago, Clark became a highly dependable target in the Bears' offense. He was a foundational piece of the team that captured the NFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XLI during the 2006 season.

He concluded his 12-year NFL career with 323 receptions, 3,591 receiving yards, and 27 receiving touchdowns.

Off the Field

He authored his first book, Principles of Winning: 5 Keys to Create a Standard of Excellence, and frequently serves as a keynote speaker and corporate team development specialist for Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, he founded Bear Down Logistics, a successful company operating in the warehousing, trucking, and freight brokerage space.

Career Highlights

• 1996, 1998 - Second-team All-ACC