Bud Clark Injury Update: Seahawks Rookie’s NFL Journey, TCU Career and What Comes Next

By Alena Shek
Published: August 26, 2026
Updated: August 26, 2026

Bud Clark’s first NFL season has taken an unexpected turn.

The Seattle Seahawks rookie safety suffered a broken right ankle during the team’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on August 23, 2026. Clark was injured on Seattle’s opening defensive snap and had to be helped from the field with an air cast on his leg. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald later said the rookie would be out for multiple months.

Two days after the injury, the Seahawks officially placed Clark on injured reserve. The move came after what had been a promising start to his first professional season following his selection in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

For Clark, the setback is particularly frustrating because he arrived in Seattle after six seasons of college football at TCU, where he established himself as one of the Horned Frogs’ most productive defensive backs.

Bud Clark Quick Bio

Detail	Information
Full Name	Jadarius “Bud” Clark
Born	May 3, 2002
Age	24
Birthplace	Alexandria, Louisiana
Height	6 feet 1 inch
Weight	188 pounds
Position	Safety
College	TCU
NFL Team	Seattle Seahawks
NFL Draft	2026
Draft Round	2nd Round
Overall Pick	No. 64
College Games	61
Career College Interceptions	15
College Honors	Two-time Second-Team All-Big 12
Current Status	Injured Reserve
Injury	Broken right ankle
Social Media	Instagram

The Seahawks list Clark at 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds. He was selected with the 64th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after a highly productive career at TCU.

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What Happened to Bud Clark?

Clark was injured during the Seahawks’ 19-16 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

The injury happened on the first defensive play of the game. Clark went down and was eventually taken from the field with his right leg supported by an air cast.

The injury immediately looked serious, and coach Mike Macdonald confirmed after the game that Clark had suffered a broken ankle and would miss multiple months.

Seattle’s decision to place him on injured reserve on August 25 confirmed that the injury was significant enough to keep him out for an extended period.

At this stage, it is important not to attach a specific return date to Clark. The Seahawks have confirmed the broken ankle and extended absence, but a precise timetable for his return to football has not been established publicly.

Bud Clark Injury Update

The latest confirmed update is that Bud Clark is on the Seahawks’ injured reserve list.

His injury came at an unfortunate time. Clark had been working toward earning a meaningful role in Seattle’s secondary as a rookie, and his versatility was one of the reasons the Seahawks selected him in the second round.

Seattle’s official draft profile highlighted his ability to play both safety and nickel corner, giving the team flexibility in how it could use him.

Now, instead of preparing for the regular season, Clark faces a lengthy rehabilitation process.

Reports following the injury indicate that he is expected to miss several months. Some coverage has described the move to injured reserve as season-ending, while the initial official statement focused on his extended absence.

For that reason, the safest wording is that Clark’s 2026 season is effectively over based on his placement on injured reserve, while his longer-term recovery will determine when he can return to football.

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Who Is Bud Clark?

Bud Clark is an American football safety who played his college career for the TCU Horned Frogs before entering the NFL.

Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Clark developed into a highly productive defensive back during his time at TCU.

He spent six seasons with the Horned Frogs, gaining extensive experience before entering the 2026 NFL Draft. His long college career gave him a substantial amount of game experience and helped establish him as one of the more experienced defensive backs available in the draft.

Clark’s production was especially impressive in the interception department.

Across 61 college games, he recorded 15 interceptions, a figure that helped make him attractive to NFL teams looking for a defensive back with proven ball skills.

Bud Clark’s Early Football Career

Clark attended Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Louisiana, before committing to TCU.

His high school career helped put him on the recruiting radar, and he eventually joined the Horned Frogs’ program.

Clark originally had a commitment to Virginia before choosing TCU, where he would spend the entirety of his college career.

His development at TCU eventually turned him into a player capable of contributing at multiple spots in the secondary.

Bud Clark at TCU

Clark arrived at TCU in 2020 and remained with the program through the 2025 season.

His early college career was relatively quiet statistically, but he developed into a major defensive contributor as the seasons progressed.

His breakout came during the 2022 season, when he became one of the Horned Frogs’ biggest playmakers in the secondary.

That season, Clark recorded five interceptions, five pass breakups and 45 tackles. One of those interceptions became especially memorable because he returned it 41 yards for a touchdown against Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.

That performance helped establish Clark as one of the most dangerous ball-hawking defensive backs in the TCU program.

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Bud Clark’s TCU Career Highlights

Clark’s college career was built around consistency and his ability to create turnovers.

The TCU program’s official roster information records several standout moments from his career, including interceptions against major Big 12 opponents and strong performances in important games.

He finished his TCU career with:

• 61 games played
• 15 interceptions
• Multiple pass breakups
• Two-time Second-Team All-Big 12 recognition
• Three-time TCU team captain

The Seahawks specifically highlighted his 15 interceptions over his final four seasons and noted that he recorded four interceptions during his final college season.

Bud Clark’s 2022 Breakout Season

The 2022 season was arguably the defining year of Clark’s college career.

He intercepted passes against Oklahoma State, Baylor and Michigan, among other opponents, and finished the season with five interceptions.

His interception against Michigan was particularly important. Clark picked off quarterback J.J. McCarthy and returned the ball 41 yards for a touchdown, helping TCU advance in the College Football Playoff.

That season demonstrated the type of playmaking ability that would eventually become one of his biggest selling points as an NFL prospect.

Bud Clark’s Leadership at TCU

Clark wasn’t simply a defensive back who produced interceptions.

The Seahawks also valued his leadership.

According to the team’s draft profile, Clark was a three-time team captain at TCU and a two-time Second-Team All-Big 12 selection.

Those leadership credentials were an important part of his profile entering the NFL.

After spending six seasons in the college game, Clark entered Seattle with extensive experience and a reputation for being a versatile and competitive defensive player.

Bud Clark Enters the NFL

Clark’s long college career eventually led him to the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Bud Clark with the 64th overall pick in the second round. The selection made him one of the first TCU players chosen in the 2026 draft and gave him an opportunity to compete for a role in Seattle’s secondary.

Seattle’s decision to select Clark reflected the team’s interest in his combination of experience, versatility and ball-hawking ability.

The Seahawks noted that he had played both safety and nickel cornerback during his TCU career, allowing him to potentially fill different roles within the defensive scheme.

Why the Bud Clark Injury Matters for the Seahawks

Clark’s injury is more than a setback for one rookie.

Seattle entered the 2026 season with questions surrounding its defensive-back depth, making Clark’s development particularly important.

His ability to play multiple positions gave the coaching staff another option in the secondary, and his experience at TCU suggested that he could compete for playing time relatively quickly.

Instead, the Seahawks will now have to find other ways to cover the role they expected Clark to fill.

The team responded to his placement on injured reserve by signing safety Tysheem Johnson, along with tackle Derrick Graham and running back Justin Jones.

What Comes Next for Bud Clark?

For now, Clark’s priority is recovery.

The Seahawks have confirmed that he will miss multiple months, but the exact details of his rehabilitation and return-to-play schedule will depend on how his ankle heals.

The immediate NFL opportunity that Clark had worked toward is now on hold.

Still, his college résumé gives him a strong foundation to build on when he is healthy again. He enters the league with six seasons of TCU experience, 61 college games, 15 interceptions and multiple All-Big 12 honors.

The next stage of his career will depend on his recovery and how quickly he can return to the form that made Seattle use a second-round pick on him.

Bud Clark’s NFL Draft and Seahawks Opportunity

After six seasons at TCU, Bud Clark finally reached the NFL when the Seattle Seahawks selected him No. 64 overall in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Seattle viewed Clark as more than a traditional safety. His college experience included work at safety and nickel corner, giving the Seahawks another versatile option for their defensive packages. He also entered the league with an impressive record of 15 interceptions over 61 college games.

The selection also carried some personal meaning for Clark. He has spoken about former Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor being a player he admired, making Seattle a particularly fitting destination for the young defensive back.

Bud’s Rookie Contract

After being drafted, Clark signed his rookie contract with Seattle on May 13, 2026.

That marked the official beginning of his NFL career and allowed him to enter the team’s offseason program and training camp as part of Seattle’s 2026 draft class.

The opportunity was significant for a player who had spent his entire college career at TCU and had worked his way from Alexandria, Louisiana, to one of the NFL’s most competitive environments.

Clark’s Playing Style

One of the biggest strengths in Clark’s game is his ability to find the football.

His college interception numbers immediately stand out, but his value goes beyond simply creating turnovers. Clark has experience playing different roles in the secondary and has the athletic ability to stay involved in coverage.

Seattle’s official draft profile lists him at 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds and highlights his ability to play safety or nickel corner. The Seahawks also pointed to his three seasons as a TCU team captain and two Second-Team All-Big 12 selections.

That combination of versatility, experience and leadership was a major part of his appeal as a second-round prospect.

Clark’s NFL Combine Performance

Clark also showed his athletic ability during the pre-draft process.

He recorded a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, an impressive time for a defensive back and one that helped demonstrate the speed he could bring to an NFL secondary.

Combined with his production at TCU, the testing numbers strengthened the case for Clark as a player capable of handling different coverage responsibilities at the professional level.

Bud Clark’s Personal Life

Away from football, Clark has already taken on an important role that has shaped his life beyond the field.

He is a father to his young son, Kenzo, who was born in 2023. Clark has previously spoken about how becoming a father changed his perspective and gave him an additional source of motivation during his football career.

His family life has also been part of his journey to the NFL. In a 2023 interview, Clark’s mother, Katoya Flowers, spoke about his experience playing for TCU during its memorable College Football Playoff run.

Clark’s personal life became particularly visible during his first NFL season through Hard Knocks, which showed him with his family away from the football field.

Who Is Bud Clark’s Fiancée?

Bud Clark is engaged to Nesha Cooper.

The couple have a son together, Kenzo, and Cooper has been part of Clark’s journey as he progressed from TCU to the NFL.

Clark has spoken publicly about the importance of his fiancée and son, and his family has been a major source of motivation throughout his football career. A recent report from Hard Knocks coverage showed Clark video-calling Nesha and Kenzo shortly after suffering his ankle injury during the preseason game against Tennessee.

The moment offered viewers a more personal look at Clark away from the football field and showed how closely connected he is to his family.

Bud Clark and Fatherhood

Fatherhood has become an important part of Clark’s identity.

His son Kenzo was born while Clark was still playing college football at TCU. Rather than seeing fatherhood as something separate from his football ambitions, Clark has described his son as an important reason behind his drive to succeed.

That perspective also helps explain why Clark’s journey to the NFL has been about more than simply reaching the professional level.

He has been building a career while also trying to create a future for his young family.

Bud Clark’s Family Background

Clark grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, and attended Alexandria Senior High School before joining TCU.

His mother, Katoya Flowers, has publicly supported his football career, including during TCU’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game following the 2022 season.

Clark’s path from Alexandria to Fort Worth and eventually Seattle has therefore been a long-term family journey as much as an individual accomplishment.

Beyond the family members who have appeared publicly, there is limited verified information about his wider family. It would be inappropriate to fill those gaps with speculation.

Bud Clark’s Life After the Ankle Injury

The ankle injury has changed the immediate direction of Clark’s rookie year, but it has not changed his long-term opportunity with Seattle.

The Seahawks placed him on injured reserve after he broke his right ankle during the preseason game against Tennessee. Head coach Mike Macdonald initially said Clark would miss multiple months, and subsequent roster reporting confirmed that the move ended his 2026 season.

Instead of spending his first season learning through regular-season snaps, Clark will now spend the year recovering and preparing for his return.

For a young player, that process can be frustrating. But the Seahawks still have a significant investment in him as a second-round pick.

What Comes Next for Bud Clark?

The next stage of Clark’s career is about rehabilitation.

There is currently no need to speculate about an exact return date. The confirmed information is that he suffered a broken right ankle and is expected to miss several months.

When he is eventually cleared to return, Clark will have the opportunity to compete again for a role in Seattle’s secondary.

His previous experience at TCU means he already understands what it takes to adjust his game and compete for playing time. The biggest challenge now is simply getting healthy.

Bud Clark’s Long-Term NFL Future

It is far too early to judge what Clark’s career will become based on one injury.

Before reaching Seattle, he spent six seasons at TCU, accumulated 15 interceptions and earned All-Big 12 recognition. Those achievements don’t disappear because his rookie season ended prematurely.

The Seahawks selected him because they believed his football instincts, athletic ability and versatility could translate to the NFL.

If his recovery goes well, the 2027 season could become the real starting point of his professional career.

Bud Clark: From Alexandria to the NFL

Clark’s story has already covered a lot of ground.

He grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, developed into a standout at Alexandria Senior High School, spent six seasons becoming a leader at TCU and eventually heard his name called in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Now he is facing his first major professional setback.

The broken ankle is undoubtedly disappointing, especially because it happened before he could play a regular-season NFL game. But his career is still in its earliest stages.

For Clark, the goal now is not to rush back. It is to recover properly, remain connected to his team and family, and return ready for the next opportunity.

Bud Clark Personal Life FAQs

Does Bud Clark have children?

Yes. Bud Clark has a son named Kenzo, who was born in 2023.

Who is Bud Clark’s fiancée?

Bud Clark’s fiancée is Nesha Cooper. They have a young son together.

Where is Bud Clark from?

Clark is from Alexandria, Louisiana, where he attended Alexandria Senior High School before playing college football at TCU.

What happened to Bud Clark?

He suffered a broken right ankle on Seattle’s first defensive snap against the Tennessee Titans during the 2026 preseason. He was later placed on injured reserve.

When could Bud Clark return?

The Seahawks have said he will miss multiple months. There is not yet a reliable public date for his return, so it is better not to speculate.

Final Thoughts

Bud Clark’s rookie NFL season ended almost before it had a chance to begin.

But his story is much bigger than the injury.

From Alexandria, Louisiana, to TCU, Clark built a reputation as a playmaking defensive back, team leader and dedicated father. His engagement to Nesha Cooper and his relationship with his young son Kenzo are also important parts of the person behind the football player.

Now, he has to focus on recovery.

The Seahawks drafted Clark in the second round because they saw long-term potential in him. His first NFL season may have been cut short, but his opportunity in Seattle has not disappeared.

For Clark and his family, the next chapter is about getting healthy and preparing for the opportunity that comes after it.