You might say that former basketball player Michael Clark was a long shot to make the Green Bay Packers’ roster. He apparently thought so too.
Clark failed to report to training camp and instead has decided to retire.
Clark started the 2017 season on the Packers’ practice squad. However, he was brought up for the team’s final two games, catching four passes for 41 yards.
While that’s not anything amazing, the Packers chose to elevate Clark over 2017 fifth-round pick DeAngelo Yancey, who has presumably played football most of his life. Clark also had one more reception than Trevor Davis, who spent the entire 2017 season on the active roster.
So a guy who played just one season of college football and went undrafted outperformed two draft picks.
Although raw, Clark offered an intriguing combination of size (6-6) and athleticism. However, it seems the Packers weren’t interested in exploring his potential any further.
Michael Clark is retiring. He was surprisingly low on pecking order during OTAs
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) July 25, 2018
The Packers have a crowded receiver room this preseason, but they’ve shown they’re not afraid to cut draft picks and stash them on the practice squad.
It happened last year with Yancey and seventh-round pick Malachi Dupre, who refused the assignment.
The Packers drafted three receivers this year. They also have only two receivers who are locks to make the roster in Davante Adams and Randall Cobb.
If given the opportunity, it would seem Clark’s chances of making the team were as good as anyone. But, we’ll never know.