Net Worth Ranker
What Is Maurice Clarett’s Net Worth?
Maurice Clarett, a former American football player, has a net worth of approximately $50,000 as of March 2025. This figure reflects his career earnings, subsequent financial challenges, and recent entrepreneurial endeavors. His net worth is a culmination of his brief but impactful professional football career, legal battles, and his current work as a businessman and advocate. Clarett’s story is one of both immense potential and significant adversity, significantly influencing his current financial standing.
Early Career and Collegiate Success
Maurice Clarett was born on October 29, 1983, in Youngstown, Ohio. As a high school athlete, he initially attended Austintown-Fitch High School before transferring to Warren G. Harding High School. At Harding, Clarett’s performance garnered national attention, setting the stage for his collegiate career at Ohio State University (OSU). His freshman year at OSU was exceptional, marked by remarkable statistics. He rushed for 1,237 yards and scored 18 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ undefeated 14-0 season in 2002. This culminated in a victory at the 2002 BCS National Championship. In early 2003, Clarett further cemented his legacy by scoring the winning touchdown against Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.
However, his time at OSU was not without controversy. In 2002, Clarett was involved in an incident where he yelled at his position coach during a game against Northwestern. He also publicly criticized OSU officials for not providing funds for him to attend a funeral. The situation escalated in the summer of 2003 when it was revealed that Clarett received preferential academic treatment, despite not attending classes. Consequently, he was suspended for the 2003 season, impacting his future eligibility and market value. The controversies at OSU directly led to a decrease in his future earnings potential and subsequent legal battles, adding to financial strain.
NFL Ambitions and Legal Setbacks
After his dismissal from OSU, Clarett relocated to Los Angeles and initiated a lawsuit to challenge the NFL’s eligibility rules in 2004. He contested the requirement that players must wait three years after high school graduation before entering the NFL Draft. Although he initially won his case at trial, the decision was overturned by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, preventing him from entering the 2004 NFL Draft. This legal defeat had profound financial implications, as Clarett missed out on the opportunity to earn a substantial rookie contract and endorsement deals. The financial strain from legal fees further impacted his finances. Clarett then trained for the 2005 NFL Combine. He participated in it but had a disappointing performance. This resulted in lowered expectations and contract offers.
Despite these challenges, Clarett was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team. However, Clarett was released on waivers in August of the same year after a disappointing training camp. He never played a regular-season game. His early exit from the NFL was a significant financial setback. By September, Clarett had accumulated approximately $1 million in debt. The debt was the result of legal fees from his battle with the NFL. This debt was a major contributing factor to his diminished net worth. Clarett’s NFL career serves as a turning point. His struggles to meet expectations and navigate the legal landscape led to a loss of income and increased liabilities, directly impacting his financial stability.
Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
Following his unsuccessful bid to enter the NFL, Maurice Clarett encountered a series of legal issues. In early 2006, he was arrested for robbing two individuals at gunpoint outside a dance club in Columbus, Ohio. He surrendered to the police and was later released on bond. A month later, Clarett was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of aggravated robbery and five additional counts. Further legal troubles arose in the summer of 2006 when he was arrested for making an illegal U-turn and leading police on a chase. Officers discovered multiple swords and guns in his car. Clarett ultimately pleaded guilty in a plea bargain that involved all of his charges. He received a sentence of seven-and-a-half years in prison. Early release was possible after three-and-a-half years. Clarett was granted early release in April 2010, after serving a portion of his sentence. The substantial legal expenses incurred during these trials, combined with the loss of potential income during his incarceration, severely depleted his financial resources and significantly contributed to his current net worth.
United Football League (UFL) Comeback
In 2010, Maurice Clarett sought to revive his football career by joining the United Football League’s (UFL) Omaha Nighthawks. In his first game in eight years, he rushed for 12 yards against the Sacramento Mountain Lions. He finished the season with 154 rushing yards and one touchdown. Additionally, he caught 12 passes for 98 yards. Clarett’s performance demonstrated his efforts to regain his athletic form and make a positive impact. The UFL provided Clarett with an opportunity to earn income and rebuild his reputation after his legal troubles. However, this comeback was short-lived. The UFL ceased operations in 2012. The relatively modest contract in the UFL was insufficient to offset his prior debts and legal expenses, highlighting the ongoing challenges in his financial recovery.
Business Ventures and Advocacy
Following his UFL stint, Clarett transitioned into business and advocacy, leveraging his personal experiences to inspire change and improve his financial situation. He became a motivational speaker, addressing prisons and youth football camps about his past struggles and rehabilitation. Clarett also worked as a consultant for collegiate athletic departments, focusing on encouraging athletes to prioritize their mental well-being. In addition to motivational speaking, he became an advocate for criminal justice reform, using his platform to promote policy changes and support rehabilitation programs.
As an entrepreneur, Clarett founded the Red Zone, a behavioral health agency located in Youngstown, Ohio. The Red Zone offers a range of services, including mental health support, addiction treatment, and recovery programs. Although specific revenue figures for the Red Zone are not publicly available, it represents a significant step in Clarett’s efforts to build a sustainable income stream and contribute to his community. His transition to entrepreneurship and advocacy demonstrates a strategic effort to generate income while making a positive social impact. These ventures aim to create long-term financial stability and enhance his professional reputation. Clarett’s current net worth of $50,000 reflects the cumulative impact of his past financial setbacks and ongoing efforts to rebuild his financial foundation through business and advocacy.
