Kenny Clark: From San Bernardino Roots to NFL Defensive Force

When the Dallas Cowboys pulled off the blockbuster trade for Micah Parsons in August 2025, one name in the deal carried both weight and experience, Kenny Clark.

For nearly a decade, Clark was the backbone of the Green Bay Packers’ defensive line, a three-time Pro Bowler whose consistency and quiet leadership made him one of the most respected tackles in the NFL.

Early Years and College Foundation

Born on October 4, 1995, in San Bernardino, California, Kenneth Duane Clark Jr. was raised in a working-class household where discipline and perseverance defined his path. At Carter High School in Rialto, California, he became a dominant defensive presence, racking up 71 tackles and 11 sacks his senior year.

His performances earned him four-star recruit status and offers from top football programs.

Kenny Clark chose UCLA, where he developed into one of the most reliable defensive linemen in the Pac-12. By his junior year, he had notched 75 tackles and six sacks, cementing his reputation as a disruptive interior force ready for the next level.

Green Bay Packers Anchor

In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Kenny Clark 27th overall in the first round. At 6-foot-3 and over 310 pounds, he quickly showed the blend of size, leverage, and agility that separates good defensive tackles from great ones.

Over nine seasons in Green Bay, Kenny Clark became synonymous with stability. He started more than 120 games, posting 417 tackles, 35 sacks, eight fumble recoveries, and seven forced fumbles. Beyond the numbers, his leadership in the locker room made him a steadying voice during the team’s highs and lows.

His peak years earned him Pro Bowl selections in 2019, 2021, and 2023, and he was frequently described by coaches as “the quiet heartbeat” of the Packers’ defensive unit.

The Cowboys Era Begins

On August 28, 2025, Clark’s career took a dramatic turn when he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons. The deal stunned the league, but it also underscored Clark’s value. For the Cowboys, he represents veteran leadership and proven productivity at the heart of their defensive line.

His arrival in Dallas has already sparked optimism. Cowboys analysts note his ability to command double teams, free up edge rushers, and steady the defense against the run—skills that remain as critical in his 30s as they were when he entered the league.