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‘He’s got a whole new identity’: Jon Gruden makes major statement about former Ohio State draft bust who is trying to rewrite his story

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 10:59 AM ET

One former Ohio State Buckeyes star is working on making a comeback to the NFL following a successful stint in the UFL.

Former first-round draft pick CB Damon Arnette Jr. is attempting to revive his NFL career and hopes to play in a game for the first time since 2021.

Arnette signed with the Houston Texans just a couple of days ago, giving him another opportunity to return to the league. One former NFL coach is publicly supporting the person Arnette has become.

“He’s got a whole new identity—he doesn’t look the same,” Jon Gruden said of Arnette, via Aaron Wilson. “He doesn’t act the same. He’s not the same. He has changed his identity. He changed the circle of people in his life, in a good way. He’s focused. He’s determined. He’s got to make up for some time that he lost. He’s really concentrating on stringing good days together. I’m really proud of him.”

Jon Gruden @BarstoolGruden to @KPRC2 on #Texans signing Damon Arnette Jr, former #Raiders first-round pick:

'He’s got a whole new identity. He doesn’t look the same. He doesn’t act the same. He’s not the same. He has changed his identity. He changed the circle of people in his… https://t.co/or2sDCjWZP
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 18, 2025

That’s exactly what you want to hear about Arnette, and it could be just what he needs to turn his professional career around. After being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Buckeye appeared in just 13 games over two seasons with the Raiders. Off-field issues became a serious concern, and his on-field performance didn’t live up to expectations for a first-round pick.

Now, Arnette has another chance—and he has Gruden in his corner, backing the man he has become. We’ll see if it leads to a successful return to the NFL during the 2025 season.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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