Ryan Clark Shares Emotional Birthday Tribute to Son Ahead of NFL Draft
Ryan Clark, like Deion Sanders, is experiencing a proud father moment as his son prepares for the upcoming NFL Draft. But before the life-changing event in Green Bay, Clark took a moment to celebrate a personal milestone: his son Jordan’s birthday. To honor the occasion, the former NFL safety shared a touching message on social media, reflecting on how meaningful this week truly is.
Clark recalled how the first day of the 2002 NFL Draft—when he himself went undrafted—coincided with Jordan’s first birthday. Though his phone never rang with an NFL call that day, he was filled with joy simply being a new father.
“Your first birthday was on draft day in 2002. I knew I wouldn’t be getting a call, but I didn’t care. I was just proud to be your dad. Now it’s your draft week, and every day since then, I’ve become even prouder. Happy birthday, Jo. I love you,” Clark wrote on Instagram.
The heartfelt post quickly gained attention from big names in the sports world, including Mark Jackson, Marcus Spears, and Deion Sanders, who all chimed in with birthday wishes and draft-day encouragement for Jordan.
Like his father once was, Jordan is projected to go undrafted, according to most mock drafts. However, there’s always the chance a team sees potential where others don’t.
Jordan Clark made a name for himself at Arizona State before transferring to Notre Dame, where he showed flashes of the same hard-nosed play his father was known for. While his stats dipped at Notre Dame, and he’s still developing as a safety, his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary—cornerback and safety—makes him an intriguing option for teams looking for depth and versatility.
Leadership, toughness, and adaptability helped Ryan Clark earn a career in the league despite being overlooked. If Jordan brings those same intangibles, he just might find a spot in the NFL too.
