Texans conduct session with previous Raider Damon Arnette Jr. for potential signing
Former NFL draft pick Damon Arnette Jr., once a shimmering prospect with the Las Vegas Raiders, is seeking a second chance in the league after taking a detour due to legal hurdles. According to KPRC2, Arnette is working out with the Houston Texans ahead of their minicamp, aiming to bolster the team's secondary depth following the retirement of cornerback Ronald Darby.
Once a top selection (No. 19 overall) in the 2020 draft, Arnette played 13 games (seven starts) for the Raiders before a series of incidents transpired. In January 2022, he was hit with felony gun charges following an altercation at a Las Vegas casino. Arnette brandished a .45-caliber handgun during the incident, leading to community service, a $2,000 fine, and a plea deal in August 2023.
Prior to these events, another disturbing video surfaced showcasing Arnette repeatedly threatening someone while wielding semi-automatic weapons. This led the Raiders to release him, and the Kansas City Chiefs, who had signed him onto a reserve contract, followed suit.
Since then, Arnette has honed his skills with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). Last season, he amassed an impressive 18 tackles and one interception. His performance has sparked renewed interest from NFL teams, and the Texans have invited him to battle it out for a chance.
Despite this, Arnette's troubled past lingers. His comeback faces numerous obstacles, and securing a roster spot will require demonstrating unwavering dedication to football and self-improvement. Workouts like the one with the Texans serve as opportunities for Arnette to prove his commitment and potential to make a positive impact on the team's secondary depth.
If successful, Arnette could become an inspiring narrative of redemption and a valuable asset for the Texans. However, he must maintain his personal and professional growth and adapt quickly to the high-stress NFL environment.
Resources
- Football Network News
- Houston Chronicle
- ESPN
- The Houston Texans have taken a gamble, inviting Damon Arnette to work out with their team, aiming to boost their secondary depth in American football, as Arnette seeks a second chance in the NFL following a series of legal setbacks.
- Despite the challenging path ahead, Arnette's impressive performance with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League has rekindled interest from NFL teams, including the Houston Texans, who see potential for Arnette to make a positive impact in the sports of football and American football.
- As Arnette battles it out for a roster spot with the Houston Texans, the game of NFL football will serve as a platform for him to prove his commitment to redemption, demonstrate his skills, and potentially write a stirring comeback story in American sports.