Derrick Clark Sr., a fullback who took handoffs from Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway for one season with the Denver Broncos, died on Feb. 19, as reported by 96.9-FM in Springfield, Missouri. He was 54.
Clark’s NFL career consisted of 16 games (four starts) with the Broncos in 1994. He carried 56 times for 168 and three touchdowns on the ground, and also caught nine passes out of the backfield for 47 yards.
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Clark also saw some action on the Broncos’ special teams units, returning three kickoffs for 34 yards.
Clark was one of only three players from the NAIA school of Evangel University in Springfield to reach the NFL. A product of Apopka (Florida) High School, Clark transferred from Florida State to Evangel. He was never drafted, but played his way into the Broncos’ backfield as a 23-year-old rookie.
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Clark would see time on the Broncos’ practice squad in 1996, and with the Oakland Raiders in 1997, but mostly played out the remainder of his professional football career outside the NFL.
In five seasons (1996-2000) with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe, Clark racked up a league-leading 21 touchdowns. He was second all-time in rushing yards in NFL Europe and helped the Fire to the 1998 World Bowl Championship.
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In 2001, Clark joined the Orlando Rage of the XFL and led the team in touchdowns (seven) and rushing yards (395).
After retiring as a player, Clark returned to Florida and became the co-owner of the Daytona Beach Broncos, an adult developmental league team.
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Clark was inducted into the Evangel University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021 as the school’s only two-time first team NAIA All-American. He finished his collegiate career with 3,507 total yards, a school record at the time.
Clark is survived by his wife, Tamara Roundtree Clark, and children.
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