Ryan Clark has worn many hats throughout his career. From being an ESPN NFL analyst to a standout safety for both LSU and the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has experienced the highs of sports, including the thrill of being a Super Bowl champion. However, on a recent Wednesday, he found himself in a different role: that of a concerned father.
Tragedy Strikes on New Year’s Day
The New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street shook the vibrant city of New Orleans to its core. With at least 15 lives lost and over 35 individuals injured, the incident left many in shock. For Clark, the tragedy hit close to home, as he was just a short distance away from the chaos. This was not just a news story for him; it was a personal crisis that affected his family and community.
Reflections from the Heart
During a heartfelt appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, Clark shared his first-hand experience of the harrowing hours following the attack. “I think the first thing is individually we felt blessed. I’m 15 minutes away from where the tragedy happened. I was sleeping 5 minutes away. I was out in the French Quarter just an hour before that with some of Jordan’s friends that came into town to watch the game,” he recounted. His son, Jordan, is a senior safety at Notre Dame, and the family was in town for the College Football Playoff national quarterfinal Sugar Bowl, where the Fighting Irish triumphed over Georgia with a score of 23-10.
Clark’s immediate concern was for the safety of his loved ones. “I wanted to make sure my daughter and her boyfriend had made it in. I checked on Jordan’s friends obviously, and then all of my family members that were in town or lived there who were also there for the game. And then you start to wonder if anyone from Notre Dame was involved,” he said, illustrating the anxiety that gripped him during that time.
A Coach’s Concern
The gravity of the situation was not lost on Notre Dame‘s head football coach, Marcus Freeman. During a Wednesday conference call with Notre Dame officials, coaches, players, and their families, Freeman’s first question was, “How are our families doing?” This sentiment echoed throughout the community, showcasing the tight-knit bonds that exist within college football.
Clark also took a moment to honor the victims of the attack, including former Princeton football player Tiger Bech and fellow Archbishop Shaw (Marrero, La.) High alum Hubert Gauthreaux, both of whom tragically lost their lives. “I think the other piece, the other connection – Tiger Bech, the football player from Princeton, his uncle Blaine was on the (early 2000s LSU) team with me,” Clark noted. He shared how the tragedy impacted him personally, as he reflected on the loss felt by families in the community.
Family Matters Most
However, it was a poignant conversation with his son Jordan that truly brought the reality of the situation into focus for Clark. “Then on Wednesday around noon, Jordan called me crying, he said, ‘Dad, I want you to go home. Mom, I want you to go home. I don’t think any of you need to be here,’” Clark recalled. The fear in his son’s voice was palpable, as Jordan expressed his concern for their safety, feeling that they lacked the protection he had on campus.
Clark’s reflections turned somber as he acknowledged the mixed emotions he felt. “I was grateful that I wasn’t someone who had to handle the loss of a family member… but also sad. Whoever lost this game wasn’t going to be the biggest loser of the week. It’s the city of New Orleans, it’s the 15 families that lost family members.”
Heroes in the Face of Adversity
In the midst of such tragedy, Clark took a moment to recognize the bravery of first responders. “There were first responders and officers that ran into the fire – the literal fire, the gunfire from this terrorist attack – and they didn’t care about the color of the people they were saving,” he emphasized. Their selfless actions highlighted the best of humanity during one of the worst moments.
Clark expressed his gratitude, saying, “To the two officers that were injured, to all the officers that responded, I just want to say ‘Thank you.’ Thank you for showing the best of us.” This acknowledgment of heroism served as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.
Looking Ahead
As Clark reflected on the events of that week, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope for New Orleans. “New Orleans is an amazing city with amazing people, and I know they will rebound, and I hope this brings everyone together,” he stated. The sense of community and solidarity that emerged in the aftermath of the tragedy underscored the importance of connection in times of crisis.
Ultimately, while college football is a beloved pastime, it pales in comparison to the value of family and safety. “Because more than I wanted to see Jordan win the game, I just wanted to see his face again and all of our loved ones, and thank God we got to do that,” Clark concluded, capturing the essence of what truly matters in life.
