Former Ohio State Conerback Damon Arnette Expected to Sign With Houston Texans Damon Arnette

In a development that’s capturing attention across NFL circles, former Ohio State star and 2020 first-round pick Damon Arnette is on the cusp of something few thought possible just a year ago: a return to the NFL. The Houston Texans are expected to sign Arnette to a one-year deal following his impressive turnaround in the United Football League with the Houston Roughnecks. The move comes in the wake of veteran cornerback Ronald Darby’s retirement and signals Houston’s willingness to take a low-risk bet on a player with immense talent and a checkered past.

At 28, Arnette enters this agreement with a backstory that reads like a cautionary tale. Drafted 19th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders after a stellar career at Ohio State, Arnette’s post-draft life was marred by injuries and off-field issues. In the NFL, he struggled to stay healthy and focused. After nine games in 2020, he landed on injured reserve with a thumb issue and briefly went on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The following season brought a groin injury—and then a tipping point: a viral video showing him brandishing guns and issuing threats led the Raiders to release him in November 2021. A stint with the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad ended when his contract expired, followed by a fleeting futures deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, who promptly released him after a weapons-related arrest in January 2022 .

Adding layers to his tumultuous run were a hit-and-run incident involving a woman in 2020, subsequent felony charges, and further arrests, including a 2024 arrest in Texas on methamphetamine and firearm possession counts . By 2023, he had pleaded to a plea deal involving community service, a fine, gun forfeiture, and a promise to stay trouble‑free—a deal that he honored, completing service hours and paying his penalties . The sequence of events prompted legal proceedings, emotional reckonings, and a very public breaking point in his young career.

Despite the calamity, Arnette refused to let his story end in ruins. In late 2024, the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL took a chance, signing him to a roster that needed defensive reinforcements . There, he played in 7–18 games and provided tangible playmaking: roughly 18 tackles, multiple pass breakups, at least one interception, a sack, and even a pick-six . His coach, Brett Maxie, praised his early-morning work ethic and consistent effort, saying, “He belongs there”—meaning he belongs in the NFL .

Arnette himself has acknowledged the shift. “I feel like I’m the best version of myself,” he told KPRC 2, crediting renewed focus, professionalism, and the backing of his family and faith . He described leaning heavily on relationships—his parents, his agent, Joe Johnston from the UFL, and his Roughnecks coaches—to hold him accountable and transform the person behind the player . Those closest to him noted the change: Johnston saw a different demeanor, calmer and remorseful, while legal counsel Daniel Moskowitz said, “Damon just needed to be Damon and everything else would fall into place.” Arnette’s motivation now goes beyond personal redemption; it’s about providing for his three children and building a better legacy .

Impressed by his recovery and play in the UFL, multiple NFL teams reportedly reached out to Houston’s front office to inquire about Arnette. Among them, the Texans hosted a workout on June 9—an opportunity Arnette seized . Then, on June 18, confirmation arrived: the Texans agreed to sign Arnette to a one-year contract, eyeing him as depth in their secondary and a fit in head coach DeMeco Ryans’s defense .

For Houston, the acquisition follows the sudden retirement of veteran cornerback Ronald Darby. Texans GM Nick Caserio, known for scouting character and work ethic, described the signing as low‑risk—Arnette won’t break the bank but could reap large rewards if he stays on the right path . Coach Ryans, bringing defensive intensity to Houston, offers a structured environment that could help Arnette continue his personal and professional rehabilitation .

But the roster isn’t wide open. Arnette will compete behind Pro Bowl corner Derek Stingley Jr., promising 2024 second-rounder Kamari Lassiter, and rotational depth—many of whom are young and hungry. There are no guarantees of a roster spot, but practice squad availability and training camp performance will be key. Still, Arnette carries something rare in modern NFL risk assessment: flashing ability tempered by visible maturity—and a chip on his shoulder he intends to keep polished.

Observers note that beginning in Ohio State, Arnette was well-regarded. A three-star recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he developed into a standout over five seasons in Columbus—recording Senior year honors like a touchdown return, All-Big Ten recognition, and a reputation as a press-coverage lockdown corner . Raiders GM Mike Mayock reportedly loved his versatility and college tape. His NFL ceiling was viewed as high—some scouts considered reaching at 19 fair . Unfortunately, durability issues and mental lapses forced a detour.

Now, entering his third opportunity in the NFL, Arnette can draw from his fall—and from his resurgence. The narrative is no longer about what he did at Ohio State or what he lost; it’s about what he’s earned, and what he can bring to a team that gave him a second chance. In Houston’s locker room, the buzz is cautious optimism: if Arnette stays on course, he could channel physical ability into situational depth and maybe more. If not, the one-year pact minimizes the downside.

Arnette’s contract brings more than football value. It serves as a bellwether for player redemption—whether NFL franchises will weigh talent against past transgressions, and where lines are drawn. In that balance is a simple truth: Arnette’s journey, one defined by mistakes and responsibility, offers lessons as much as hope. For him, it’s unfinished business. For the Texans, it may be either a reclamation story or a footnote on the margins of camp.

Either way, the stage is set. If Arnette steps onto the Texans’ field this fall—whether on defense or special teams—it won’t just represent a roster spot. It’ll symbolize personal growth, earned trust, and an athlete’s belief he can do it again. And in Locker Room America, that story resonates.