5 Powerful Truths Behind Jordan Clark’s Cut From The Jets: Ryan Clark’s Emotional Reaction And His Son’s Next Move

The latest update on the New York Jets’ roster moves confirms that defensive back Jordan Clark, the son of former NFL safety and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, was waived ahead of the 2025 NFL roster deadline. This move, which took place during the intense final wave of cuts in late summer 2025, is a stark reminder of the brutal business side of professional football, even for a player with a legendary name. While the news of a cut can sound final, the reality of Jordan Clark's situation is far more nuanced, representing a pivotal moment in his young career that echoes his father’s own challenging path to the NFL. As of today, December 14, 2025, the focus shifts from the initial cut to Jordan Clark's next steps, specifically his potential placement on the Jets’ practice squad. His journey as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) has been closely watched, not just because of his family lineage, but because of his versatile play at both the collegiate and professional levels. The decision to waive him was a procedural one, designed to maximize the team's roster flexibility while retaining his talent within the organization, a strategy common for promising young players on the bubble.

Jordan Clark: Full Biography and Football Journey

Jordan Clark’s football career is a testament to perseverance, mirroring the grind his father, Ryan Clark, endured as an undrafted player who forged a Pro Bowl career.

• Full Name: Jordan Clark
• Born: April 22, 2001
• Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Position: Defensive Back (Safety/Cornerback)
• Height/Weight: 5’9”, 184 lbs.
• College Career: Jordan began his collegiate career at Arizona State University (ASU), where he spent four seasons. He later transferred for his final year to the University of Notre Dame, playing a key role in the Fighting Irish secondary. His college experience provided him with valuable versatility, playing both safety and nickel cornerback.
• NFL Draft: Undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Professional Team: Signed with the New York Jets as an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) in 2025.
• Jets Tenure: Clark impressed during the offseason and training camp, earning a spot on the initial 90-man roster and even being elevated to the active roster for at least one regular-season game (Week 13 versus the Atlanta Falcons).
• Current Status: Waived/Cut during the 2025 NFL roster deadline, with a strong likelihood of being signed to the Jets’ Practice Squad.

His time with the Jets, though brief on the active roster, was a crucial first step. Making it to the final cut day as an undrafted rookie defensive back is an achievement in itself, showcasing his potential and the faith the coaching staff, including Head Coach Robert Saleh and General Manager Joe Douglas, have in his development as a professional.

The Brutal Business of the NFL Roster Deadline

The news that Jordan Clark was cut by the Jets is a perfect illustration of the ruthless nature of the NFL roster deadline. Every year, teams must trim their rosters from 90 players down to the final 53. This process, often referred to as "Black Tuesday," sees hundreds of dreams temporarily—or permanently—deferred.

For a player like Jordan Clark, the cut was less about a lack of talent and more about a strategic numbers game. Undrafted free agents are often waived with the explicit intention of re-signing them to the 16-man practice squad, provided they clear the NFL waiver wire. This maneuver allows the team to develop the player without using a valuable spot on the 53-man roster, especially at a position like defensive back where the Jets had significant depth.

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The decision to waive Clark highlights several key factors in the team's roster construction:

• Positional Depth: The Jets had a deep and talented secondary, making it difficult for any rookie, especially a UDFA, to crack the final 53.
• Practice Squad Strategy: Waiving him was the calculated risk to move him to the practice squad, where he can continue to practice with the team, attend meetings, and be elevated to the active roster on game days if needed.
• Versatility: Jordan’s ability to play multiple defensive back positions (safety and nickel corner) makes him an ideal candidate for the practice squad, offering the team flexible depth.

Ryan Clark’s Powerful and Poignant Reaction to the News

Perhaps the most compelling part of this story is the reaction of his father, Ryan Clark. The former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl safety and Super Bowl champion used his platform not to complain or criticize the Jets, but to share a powerful, heartfelt message that resonated deeply with fans and media.

Ryan Clark's own story is crucial context: he was also an Undrafted Free Agent in 2002, signing with the New York Giants. He understands the emotional and professional blow of being cut or waived better than most. His reaction centered on the idea that this setback is merely a chapter, not the end of the book. He emphasized the need for his son to maintain his focus, work ethic, and belief in his own ability, regardless of the team's administrative decision.

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The message from the ESPN analyst was a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of the NFL. He essentially told Jordan that having a famous last name doesn't buy you a roster spot; you still have to earn it, and sometimes, even when you earn it, the business of football dictates a temporary step back. This father-son dynamic provided a rare, authentic glimpse into the emotional toll the final roster cuts take on players and their families, reinforcing the idea that the NFL journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

What’s Next? The Practice Squad and the Road Ahead

The next few days will be critical for Jordan Clark. If he clears waivers—meaning no other NFL team claims him—he is expected to be signed to the New York Jets’ practice squad. This is the most likely and best-case scenario for his immediate future.

The practice squad is a vital component of the modern NFL. It provides a developmental environment where young players can hone their skills against the starting offense and defense every week. For Jordan Clark, this means:

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• Continued Development: He will train daily with the team's coaching staff, learning the defensive schemes and improving his technique.
• Game-Day Eligibility: He is eligible to be elevated to the active roster for up to three games during the season without taking up a permanent 53-man spot. This provides an opportunity for him to prove his worth in game situations.
• Future Roster Spot: A successful year on the practice squad often leads to a full contract and a spot on the 53-man roster the following season.

The road ahead for the young defensive back is clear: use the practice squad as a springboard. His ability to play multiple positions and his high football IQ, undoubtedly inherited from his father, make him a prime candidate to stick with the Jets organization long-term. The cut was a temporary setback, but the opportunity to continue his NFL career path remains firmly in his hands.