Former Ohio State star turned NFL draft bust makes strong admission as he is ready to make a comeback to the league
Ohio State just produced 14 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, coming off their National Championship win and leading all schools in selections. While many former Buckeyes find success in the NFL, not all of them pan out at the professional level. Even first-round picks from Ohio State sometimes fall short of expectations. That […]
Ohio State just produced 14 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, coming off their National Championship win and leading all schools in selections. While many former Buckeyes find success in the NFL, not all of them pan out at the professional level.
Even first-round picks from Ohio State sometimes fall short of expectations. That was the case for cornerback Damon Arnette, who was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Raiders.
Arnette played in 13 games over two seasons with the Raiders and hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2021. After performing well in the UFL, Arnette is now attempting to make an NFL comeback.
Former Ohio State Star CB Damon Arnette Attempting NFL Comeback
Off-field issues have plagued Arnette throughout his professional career and are a significant reason he’s no longer in the league. In a recent interview with Aaron Wilson, Arnette explained why he believes NFL teams should give him another shot.
“I’m a dawg on the field. I’m more of a professional now than I ever was before,” Arnette said. “I wasn’t a professional before. I was just a dawg. I found professionalism and a calm state of mind. I feel like I’m the best version of myself that I’ve ever been.
One, I had to take a look in the mirror. I had to make some serious life changes. And the main thing that I did was I invited back my support system, my foundation, and that’s probably something I will never let go of again because I see how dangerous it is to be trying to navigate in a new world, new environment, new situations with no experience.”
Arnette brought a tough, hard-nosed mentality to the field during his time with the Buckeyes, playing in 53 games over four seasons. He recorded five career interceptions and had a strong senior season, which helped him become a first-round selection by the Raiders.
Now 28 years old, Arnette is working to make what may be his final push for an NFL career. NFL teams have shown some interest in the former Buckeye as he looks to prove he belongs back in the league.
