COMEBACK IN THE MAKING: Former Ohio State Star CB Damon Arnette Set to Sign with Houston Texans in Bold NFL Return

Damon Arnette’s football journey has been anything but ordinary. Once a highly-touted prospect coming out of Ohio State, where he built a reputation as a tough, physical, and instinctive cornerback, Arnette now finds himself on the verge of a return to the NFL spotlight. The Houston Texans are reportedly prepared to give him another shot, offering a chance at redemption that could change the entire narrative surrounding his career. It’s a pivotal moment for a player once viewed as one of the league’s most promising young defensive backs and now poised to flip the script on his turbulent professional trajectory.

Arnette was selected 19th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. His draft status alone signaled how highly teams regarded his skill set. At Ohio State, he was part of a defensive unit stacked with NFL talent. He brought an edge to the secondary, playing with the swagger and confidence that Buckeye fans had come to love. Though not the biggest or fastest corner in his class, Arnette thrived on technique, toughness, and football IQ. He played through injuries and was known for his resilience, suiting up with a broken wrist during his final college season just to help his team.

However, life in the NFL didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Almost immediately after arriving in Las Vegas, Arnette’s career began to spiral due to injuries and off-field concerns. He struggled to stay healthy and was limited to just a handful of games. On the field, he looked raw, unsure, and at times out of place. But the bigger issues came off the field. A series of legal issues and a widely publicized social media video that raised serious concerns about his judgment ultimately led the Raiders to release him just one season into his rookie deal—a rare and dramatic fall from grace for a first-round pick.

Arnette’s release didn’t just jeopardize his career—it seemingly ended it. Brief stints with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs never led to actual playing time, and the league quickly distanced itself from the troubled young corner. Many fans and analysts wrote him off entirely. Once the subject of admiration for his college grit and lockdown ability, Arnette became more of a cautionary tale about the importance of maturity, character, and decision-making at the pro level.

But over the past year, something changed. Away from the limelight, Damon Arnette has reportedly been working tirelessly to get his life and football career back on track. Those close to him say he has matured significantly, surrounding himself with better influences, focusing on mental health, and putting in serious work to regain the form that made him a first-round talent. The Houston Texans, under head coach DeMeco Ryans and GM Nick Caserio, have developed a reputation for offering second chances—so long as the player earns it. For Arnette, this reported agreement is more than a contract; it’s a lifeline and a massive opportunity.

Houston is quietly building something special. With a young core led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who ironically followed in Arnette’s footsteps as a Buckeye, and one of the most respected defensive minds in football at the helm in Ryans, the Texans are transforming from league afterthought into legitimate contenders. They have already reshaped their secondary with rising stars like Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, but depth and competition are crucial, and that’s where Arnette may find his window.

For a team looking to bolster their depth in the secondary, adding a player with Arnette’s upside makes calculated sense. If he can show in training camp that the physical tools remain—and early reports suggest he’s moving better than he has in years—then he has a shot to not only make the roster but contribute in meaningful snaps. His versatility to play both inside and outside, along with his willingness to support the run, fits the aggressive, physical identity that Ryans preaches on defense.

But this is about more than football. This is about personal growth, accountability, and proving that someone can change. Arnette has made public statements acknowledging his mistakes. He hasn’t made excuses. He’s owned up to the ways in which he let himself, his family, and his teams down. The road back to the NFL isn’t just about talent—it’s about trust. The Texans are betting that Arnette’s time away from the spotlight has given him the clarity and hunger needed to fulfill the promise he once showed in Columbus.

If Arnette does stick, it will be one of the more remarkable comeback stories of the 2025 NFL offseason. There’s a hunger in Houston that could match his own. The Texans are trying to build a winning culture—a place where talent, effort, and character intersect. In that environment, a player like Arnette, who’s learned from the depths of his failures, might thrive. He doesn’t need to be a star. He just needs to be consistent, disciplined, and focused—three things he reportedly has worked hard to bring back into his life.

Those watching Arnette during his Ohio State days know what he can bring when his head is right. He blanketed Big Ten receivers, played through injury, and delivered big moments when it mattered. If the Texans get even a glimpse of that version, they’ve added a valuable piece to their defense for next to nothing. If not, then no harm is done—but the reward could far outweigh the risk if the gamble pays off.

This kind of redemption story resonates far beyond sports. It’s a reminder that mistakes don’t have to define a person. That failure, when met with humility and change, can lay the foundation for growth. Damon Arnette still has to prove himself, both on and off the field. A one-year deal—or perhaps just a training camp invite—won’t erase his past. But it can offer him the chance to write a new chapter, one built on resilience, redemption, and responsibility.

For the Texans, this is a football move with deeper implications. It shows their commitment to giving players the tools and the structure to succeed, regardless of past missteps, so long as there is a genuine desire to be better. Arnette’s journey to this point has been marked by promise, downfall, and now, the glimmer of a comeback. He’ll enter camp with no guarantees. He will need to earn every snap, every opportunity, and every ounce of trust. But if his work ethic and attitude match the buzz surrounding this move, Houston could be witnessing the rebirth of a player who once had all the tools to be great.

The 2025 NFL season is still months away, and a lot can happen between now and opening kickoff. But one of the most compelling storylines heading into Texans camp is no longer just about their offense or C.J. Stroud’s ascent. It’s also about a cornerback trying to reclaim what was once his—his name, his reputation, and a spot in the league he once took for granted. Damon Arnette isn’t just trying to make a roster; he’s trying to make things right.

This next chapter for Arnette will be written on the practice field, in the film room, and under the bright lights of preseason football. But the story began long before now, and its next act could be one of the most talked-about NFL comebacks of the year. If it goes well, Houston won’t just be adding depth to their cornerback room—they’ll be part of one of the most powerful redemption arcs in recent football memory. For Damon Arnette, the Texans may not only be a team. They could be his second chance at life in the league, and possibly much more.