Journey Back To NFL Completed For Former Raiders First-Rounder Arnette

It’s not about who you once were; it’s about who you are now. Former Raiders first-rounder Damon Arnette serves as a picture-perfect example, making his way back onto an NFL roster.

Once the 19th-overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, cornerback Damon Arnette set himself on the fast track out of the National Football League. For the former Raiders first-rounder, his on-field struggles paled in comparison to the off-field troubles he frequently found himself in.

His time with the Raiders would come to an end following a video of Arnette waving a firearm on camera, threatening the life of another individual.

But that’s all in the past–these days, the 28-year-old is a different person. Even his former head coach, Jon Gruden, can’t help but notice such a change in Arnette’s personal life.

“He’s got a whole new identity,” Gruden explained to KPRC 2.

“He doesn’t look the same. He doesn’t act the same. He’s not the same. He has changed his identity. He changed the circle of people in his life, in a good way. He’s focused. He’s determined.”

Gruden is more familiar with Arnette than most coaches around the sport of football in general. Both he and former Raiders general manager Mike Mayock made the decision to welcome the defensive back to Sin City following extensive research and evaluation not only on Arnette’s game, but the Ohio State alum’s character traits.

“I’m proud of him,” Gruden added.

It’s now been three seasons since Arnette last played for an NFL club. With the Raiders, Arnette appeared in 13 total contests, logging three pass deflections and 29 tackles.

This past year, the college counterpart of Jeff Okudah worked his way back onto the football field with the UFL’s Houston Roughnecks.

Arnette will stay right where he is, earning a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. His journey back to an NFL roster is officially complete–but the work is far from over.

Nobody knows that better than Damon Arnette.