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Former Raiders first-round pick officially begins NFL comeback

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 9:16 AM ET

Professional football has been a long and winding road for Damon Arnette.

Drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State cornerback was selected with the hopes that he could help shore up the secondary. Unfortunately, a series of off-field issues resulted in the Raiders waiving him in 2021. Despite popping up with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs, Arnette has not played a snap in the NFL since the Raiders let him go.

Four years later, the stage is set for Arnette to make what was once considered an improbable comeback.

Arnette’s NFL dream has been given a new lease on life with another AFC team.

According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Arnette has been signed by the Houston Texans.

NFL comeback story: #Texans are expected to sign former #Raiders first-round CB Damon Arnette, per source, who now returns to the NFL for the first time since 2022.

Arnette just finished playing with the UFL’s Houston Roughnecks, recording 18 tackles, a sack, and a pick-six.… pic.twitter.com/TPWXyfQket

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 18, 2025

Arnette resurfaced during the spring football season this year, playing for the United Football League’s Houston Roughnecks. With the Texans nearby, they must have seen enough from Arnette to give him a chance to crack their 53-man roster when training camp starts up in late July.

In an interview with NFL insider Aaron Wilson in May, Arnette discussed what getting a second chance in football meant to him.

“I had to make some serious life changes. And the main thing that I did was I invited back my support system, my foundation, and that’s probably something I will never let go of again because I see how dangerous it is to be trying to navigate in a new world, new environment, new situations with no experience,” Arnette said.

“I’m a dawg on the field. I’m more of a professional now than I ever was before. I wasn’t a professional before. I was just a dawg. I found professionalism and a calm state of mind. I feel like I’m the best version of myself that I’ve ever been.”

While Arnette is no longer with the Raiders, it is difficult not to hope for the best as he gets his career and life back together.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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