Everything You Need To Know About NFL Player Gary Clark

In these past few months, we have been feeling a bit nostalgic and keep going back to watch the video of the great Gary Clark’s 240-yard receiving game in 1986 and other highlights, like his longest touchdown reception. The legendary NFL player has shown us nothing but remarkable performances. And as we reminisce about his glory days, we have been wondering where is Gary Clark now.

A couple of years ago, in 2021 to be exact, Clark added yet another accomplishment to his long list of successes: Gary Clark Hall of Fame, Washington, D.C. And in honor of this well-deserved recognition, let’s now take a look back at Clark’s football career from the beginning.

Vitals

Position: Wide Receiver

Date of Birth: May 1st, 1962

Place of Birth: Radford, Virginia

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 180 lbs

Gary Clark college: James Madison University

NFL Career: 11 seasons, 167 games

Teams: Washington (1985-1992)

Career Highlights

• Outstanding Performances: Throughout his career, Clark achieved five seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving and earned the honor of appearing in four Pro Bowls.
• Washington Legend: During his time with the Washington franchise, NFL Gary Clark made his presence felt with 549 receptions and an impressive 8,742 yards receiving, both of which still rank third on Washington’s all-time records.
• Impressive Stats: In total, he amassed 699 receptions and 10,856 yards by the time he concluded his career, leaving an enduring legacy in the NFL.
• Super Bowl Glory: NFL Gary Clark proudly boasts two Super Bowl victories among his accolades, demonstrating his prowess on the biggest stage in football.
• Pro Bowl Regular: With four Pro Bowl selections to his name, NFL Gary Clark consistently demonstrated his excellence and skill among the NFL’s elite.
• Redskins MVP: Twice named the Redskin MVP, Clark was a key figure in Washington’s success during his tenure.
• All-Pro Consistency: His remarkable consistency led to four All-Pro designations and eight appearances on the All-Madden Team.
• All Madden Super Bowl Team: Clark’s contributions earned him a spot on the All-Madden Super Bowl Team, highlighting his impact in championship matchups.
• Reception Leader: He led Washington in receptions for four out of eight years, showcasing his reliability as a go-to target.
• Yardage Dominance: Additionally, Clark topped Washington’s receiving yardage charts for six out of eight years and consistently ranked among the top two in this category.

Historical Impact: NFL Gary Clark left an indelible mark on the NFL, finishing his career as the 8th All-Time Leading Receiver in NFL history in terms of receptions and the 7th All-Time Leading Receiver in terms of receiving yards.

Gary Clark’s Redskin History

Gary C. Clark, a pint-sized powerhouse at 180 pounds, etched his name in Redskins lore as one of the toughest players to grace the field. This Radford, Virginia native fearlessly took on the toughest challenges, excelling as a receiver, tenacious blocker, and consummate pro. 

Since we have visited Gary Clark Hall of Fame quite frequently, let’s recap what his story is all about.

College Years

When Gary joined JMU in 1980, it was clear they were gearing up for their first season in Division I-AA. Little did anyone know that this diminutive receiver would make such a huge impact. 

Gary Clark college life rivaled his upcoming professional career in excitement as he set school records with 155 career passes caught, amassing 2,863 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns – all receiving records at JMU. Clark even left his mark on special teams with three punt return touchdowns, including two breathtaking 87 and 89-yard runs in a single game during his senior season. His talent earned him All-American honorable mentions in his junior and senior years (1982 and 1983) and the title of Virginia Offensive College Player of the Year in 1982.

USFL Bound

Gary Clark college achievements didn’t go unnoticed. In 1984, when the United States Football League (USFL) held its first-ever entry draft, Clark was the sixth overall pick. This made him the inaugural draft choice for the Jacksonville Bulls and the first player in JMU history to be picked in the first round of a pro football league.

In his rookie season with Jacksonville, Clark led the team in receiving, hauling in 56 catches for 760 yards. The once-rising NFL star also handled punt return duties and shared kick return responsibilities.

Supplemental Redskin

The USFL played in the spring, so after his time with Jacksonville in 1984 and 1985, Clark was welcomed by the Washington Redskins for the 1985 season. The Redskins took him in the second round of the 1984 NFL supplemental draft, optimistically predicting he’d make a swift transition.

Making an Impact

NFL Gary Clark wasted no time making his mark in Washington. In his debut NFL season, he led all rookie receivers with 72 receptions, forming an impressive receiving duo with Art Monk, both amassing over 1,000 receiving yards. In 1986, he outshone Monk, leading the team in both receptions and receiving yards and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.

Champs

The pinnacle of Clark’s Redskins career came in 1987. Not only did he again lead the team in receptions and yards, earning his second Pro Bowl selection, but he also played a pivotal role in the Redskins’ journey to Super Bowl XXII. He scored the go-ahead touchdown in a blowout victory, securing his first Super Bowl ring and earning Player of the Year honors from the team.

Still Grinding

Though his numbers dipped slightly in 1988, NFL Gary Clark continued to be a standout player. In 1989, despite not making the playoffs, he, along with Monk and Ricky Sanders, achieved 1,000-plus yard seasons, showcasing their exceptional talents.

In 1990, the Redskins returned to the playoffs, and Gary earned his third Pro Bowl nomination. He had a stellar season with 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns.

Glorious

That season of course was 1991. The Washington Redskins were 14-2 during the regular season, and every Redskin seemed to be having a banner year. Clark himself managed to put up 1,340 yards and 10 touchdowns (70 receptions). 

Week eleven’s performance against the Atlanta Falcons was his best of 1991. Clark caught just four passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns on just four catches as Washington thrashed the Falcons 56-17.

The Redskins would go on to win their third Super Bowl, Clark’s second, in a 37-24 romp of the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI. Clark played a dominant role that day as well, as he always did, grabbing seven passes for 114 yards. That was, unfortunately, the end of the glory days for Clark and the Redskins. The year was 1995 when Clark retired, and that was after a spectacular eleven NFL seasons.

yed a big part in shaping the NFL’s history.

Gary Clark’s Awards and Honors

1986: Associated Press All-NFL (2nd Team), Pro Football Weekly All-Conference (1st Team), United Press International All-Conference (1st Team)

1987: Associated Press All-NFL (1st Team), Newspaper Enterprise Association All-NFL (2nd Team)

1990: United Press International All-Conference (2nd Team)

1991: Associated Press All-NFL (2nd Team), Newspaper Enterprise Association All-NFL (1st Team), United Press International All-Conference (1st Team)

Gary Clark’s Career Statistics

Conclusion

To us, there is no better trio of WRs than Monks, Sanders and Clark. NFL Gary Clark, specifically, was the reason we tuned into every Super Bowl, and still do. Whether sprinting around the stadium or celebrating touchdowns with his teammates, Gary Clark’s fiery spirit and toughness, as we can all agree, were what set him apart from other football players.

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