The Rise and Fall in Las Vegas

Damon Arnette entered the NFL with immense promise when the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him 19th overall in 2020. The Ohio State product had demonstrated lockdown potential in college, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and making one of college football's longest defensive plays - a 96-yard interception return touchdown in 2019. But his professional career quickly unraveled through a combination of injuries and off-field controversies.

Early Career Struggles

During two turbulent seasons with the Raiders, Arnette managed only 13 game appearances. While his 29 tackles and three pass breakups showed flashes of first-round talent, a disturbing 2021 social media video featuring firearms and violent threats ultimately forced the team to cut ties with their former top pick.

Legal Challenges and Personal Growth

Arnette's journey took darker turns after leaving Las Vegas. Brief stints with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs ended prematurely due to multiple arrests involving weapons and drug charges. By 2023, most NFL teams had written off the troubled cornerback.

Turning Point in Houston

The United Football League (UFL) provided Arnette's lifeline in December 2024 when the Houston Roughnecks offered a contract. This opportunity coincided with the athlete's personal commitment to change. Houston secondary coach Brett Maxie observed: "What impressed us first wasn't his athleticism - it was his maturity. He showed up ready to prove he could be a professional."

UFL Resurgence and NFL Interest

Through seven games in the 2025 UFL season, Arnette has emerged as one of the league's top defenders. His stat line includes:

• 18 total tackles
• 5 passes defended
• 1 quarterback sack
• 1 game-winning interception return touchdown

Scouts Taking Notice

Arnette's 49-yard pick-six against the Birmingham Stallions particularly highlighted his retained NFL-level skills. Multiple AFC team scouts have attended Roughnecks practices in recent weeks, with one anonymously stating: "He's moving better than his Raiders tape. If he maintains this trajectory, someone will give him a training camp shot."

The Road Ahead

Now 28 and physically prime (maintaining his 4.56-second 40-yard dash speed), Arnette acknowledges his unique position: "Every practice is a job interview now. I'm grateful just to have shoulder pads on again." With no legal incidents since 2024 and growing on-field production, the once-written-off prospect could complete one of modern football's most unexpected career revivals.