Dutch Clark

Clark was born in the town of Fowler in Otero County, Colorado, in 1906. He was the son of Harry J. Clark (1874–1924), a Michigan native, and Mary Etta (Lackey) Clark (1876–1969), a North Carolina native. Clark had an older sister, Mabel May (1899–1990), two older brothers, Carl (1901–1927) and Fred (1903–1942), and a younger sister, Pearl (1919–2003). As of 1910, the family lived in La Junta, Otero County, where the father was a farmer. In 1917, when Dutch was 10 years old, the family moved approximately 60 miles to the west to Pueblo, where the father was employed as a locomotive fireman on a steam railroad.Census entry for Harry J. Clark and family. Son Earl, age 3. Census Place: La Junta, Otero, Colorado; Roll: T624_123; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 0128; FHL microfilm: 1374136. Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line].Census entry for Harry J. Clark and family. Son Earl, age 13. Census Place: Pueblo, Pueblo, Colorado; Roll: T625_170; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 227; Image: 755. Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line].{{Cite book |last=Chris Willis |title=Dutch Clark: The Life of an NFL Legend and the Birth of the Detroit Lions |publisher=Scarecrow Press |year=2012 |isbn=978-0810885202 |pages=5–12}}

Clark attended Pueblo's Central High School. As a sophomore in the 1923–24 academic year, he was a member of the football team, captain of the basketball team, and was voted the most popular man in the school.The Wildcat 1924 (Central High School yearbook), pages 49 and 52 of 176.

As a junior during the 1924–1925 academic year, Clark was voted as the class president.The Wildcat 1925 (Central High School yearbook), page 27 of 176. He was also regarded as "the best all-around athlete in the state."The Wildcat 1925, p. 132 of 176. Playing at fullback for the football team, he helped Central win the 1924 South Central League championship and was named to the all-state team.The Wildcat 1925, p. 118 of 176. He was named captain of the basketball team for the second consecutive year, played at the center position, and was selected as an all-conference player.The Wildcat 1925, pp. 131-132 and 134 of 176.

According to an account published in 1980, Clark earned all-state honors in football and basketball and set South Central League track & field records in the discus and high hurdles. Baseball was his "weak" sport, on account of impaired vision in his left eye. He earned 16 letters at Central High and graduated in 1926.{{Cite book |last=Jack Hildner |title="Dutch Clark Was the Greatest of Them All", Dedication Program for the Centennial vs. Central High School football game |date=September 25, 1980}}

In the fall of 1926, Clark enrolled at the Colorado College in Colorado Springs. He played football for four years and was team captain as a senior. He also played basketball for four years and was team captain as both a junior and a senior. He also competed in track all four years and in baseball as a senior.The Pikes Peak Nugget (Colorado College yearbook) 1931, p. 42 of 230.

During the 1928 season, Clark averaged 10 yards every time he carried the ball. He rushed for 1,349 yards on 135 carries and scored 103 of the team's 203 points. At the end of the 1928 season, he was selected by the Associated Press as the first-team quarterback on the 1928 College Football All-America Team.{{Cite news |last=Alan J. Gould |date=December 8, 1928 |title=Farr West, East Place Eight Men On All American: Dutch Clark Places On First Grid Team |page=5 |work=The Ogden Standard-Examiner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9769888/farr_west_east_place_eight_men_on_all/}} He was the first All-American football player from any of Colorado's colleges and universities.

Clark graduated from Colorado College in June 1930 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology. After graduating, Clark remained at Colorado College during the 1930–1931 academic year as an assistant football coach and head basketball coach.{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1930 |title=Dutch Clark Is Signed By Alma Mater |page=8 |work=The Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9769472/dutch_clark_is_signed_by_alma_mater/}}

In May 1931, Clark was granted a leave of absence from his coaching responsibilities at Colorado College to allow him to play for the Portsmouth Spartans in the National Football League (NFL), with the understanding that he would return to coach the school's basketball team when the Spartans' season was over.{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1931 |title=Dutch Clark To Play Professional Football in Fall |page=16 |work=The Tribune-Republican (Greeley, CO) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9765194/dutch_clark_to_play_professional/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The Spartans compiled an 11–3 record in 1931, good for second place in the NFL. Clark appeared in 11 games and was the team's leading scorer with 60 points on nine touchdowns and six extra points.{{Cite web |title=1931 Portsmouth Spartans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1931.htm#all_team_stats |access-date=March 23, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}} He ranked third in the NFL in scoring and was selected as the first-team All-Pro quarterback.{{Cite news |date=December 19, 1931 |title=Johnny Blood Is Crowned Champion In Scoring Race |page=13 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9765455/johnny_blood_is_crowned_champion_in/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=George Kirksey |date=December 15, 1931 |title=Dutch Clark Is Named On All-America Pro Team: Kirksey Selects Leading Stars On Annual Selection |page=14 |work=The Ogden Standard-Examiner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9944244/dutch_clark_is_named_on_allamerica_pro/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Clark was actually the leading scorer in the NFL when he secured permission to leave the team early to resume his coaching responsibilities with the Colorado College basketball team.{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1931 |title=Clark Returns To Tigers |page=B3 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9765593/clark_returns_to_tigers/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Clark returned to the Spartans in the fall of 1932 and led the team to a 6–2–4 record and third place in the NFL.{{Cite web |title=1932 Portsmouth Spartans Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1932.htm#all_team_stats |access-date=March 23, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}} Clark led the NFL with 581 rushing yards;{{Cite news |date=December 7, 1932 |title=Dutch Clark Best Ground Gainer of Pros |page=6 |work=The De Kalb Daily Chronicle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9941148/dutch_clark_best_ground_gainer_of_pros/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} he also led the league with 55 points scored, 10 extra points, and three field goals. For the second consecutive year, he was selected as the first-team All-Pro quarterback.{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1932 |title=Best Football Players of U.S. Are Named by United Press |page=6 |work=Ames (IA) Daily Tribune-Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9944889/best_football_players_of_u_s_are/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In December 1932, United Press sportswriter George Kirksey rated Clark as the greatest football player of the past 10 years.{{Cite news |last=George Kirksey |date=December 5, 1932 |title=Dutch Clark of Portsmouth Rated Greatest Player in Ten-year Span |page=13 |work=The Minneapolis Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9766031/dutch_clark_of_portsmouth_rated/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Despite his success during the 1931 and 1932 NFL seasons, Clark returned to Colorado College as the school's head basketball coach at the end of the 1932 season. Then, in March 1933, he surprised followers of the professional game by announcing that he would not return to the NFL in 1933, having elected instead to serve as the head football coach for the Colorado School of Mines.{{Cite news |date=March 15, 1933 |title="Dutch" Clark Named Coach at Colo. Mines |page=4 |work=The Tribune-Republican (Greeley, Colo.) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9748295/dutch_clark_named_coach_at_colo_mines/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Clark signed with the Detroit Lions in May 1934 and joined the team for training camp at the end of August.{{Cite news |date=May 27, 1934 |title=Detroit Grid Pros Sign 'Dutch' Clark |page=3 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9794143/detroit_grid_pros_sign_dutch_clark/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=August 30, 1934 |title=Dutch Clark Here to Join Gridders |page=14 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9794163/dutch_clark_here_to_join_gridders/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} (The Portsmouth Spartans moved to Detroit and became the Lions in 1934.)

File:381016-Lions-Redskins-program.jpg

Clark was the quarterback for the 1934 Detroit Lions team that compiled a 10–3 record and finished in second place in the NFL West behind the undefeated Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |title=1934 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1934.htm |access-date=March 24, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}} Clark led the NFL in 1934 with 1,146 yards of total offense and eight rushing touchdowns and ranked among the leaders with 73 points scored (second), 763 rushing yards (third), and 383 passing yards (fourth). At the end of the 1934 season, Clark was selected as the first-team All-Pro quarterback for the third time in three years playing in the NFL.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1934 |title=Lions Place Two on Pro All-Star Eleven |page=Sports 3 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9794293/lions_place_two_on_pro_allstar_eleven/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1934 |title=Former State College Players on Pro All-America |page=8 |work=The Charleston (WV) Daily Mail |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9940590/former_state_college_players_on_pro/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

In August 1935, Clark was selected by his Detroit teammates as the team captain without a dissenting vote.{{Cite news |date=August 22, 1935 |title='Dutch' Clark Gets Lions' Captaincy: Star of Backfield Is Named at Camp |page=13 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9794339/dutch_clark_gets_lions_captaincy/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} As quarterback and captain, Clark led the 1935 Detroit Lions to the NFL championship. Clark led the NFL with 55 points scored and 16 extra points. Clark later cited the Lions' 13–0 victory over the Bears on Thanksgiving Day as his most memorable game. In that game, Clark scored both Detroit touchdowns, the first on a pass from Bill Shepherd and the second when he rolled out on a flanker play and took a lateral pass 21 yards into the end zone.{{Cite news |last=Dutch Clark as told to Bob Latshaw |date=March 25, 1947 |title=Lions' Great 1935 Victory Over Bears Biggest Moment to Clark |page=10 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9884994/lions_great_1935_victory_over_bears/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Dutch Clark |date=January 10, 1961 |title=I'll never forget . . . How I Caught the Bears Napping |page=19 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9910970/ill_never_forget__how_i_caught/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In the 1935 NFL Championship Game, Clark had "a sensational 42-yard dash" for a touchdown in the second quarter, as the Lions defeated the New York Giants, 26–7.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1935 |title=Lions Smother Giants, 26 to 7, for Pro Gridiron Crown |page=15 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9794423/lions_smother_giants_26_to_7_for_pro/}}

On January 1, 1936, Clark led the Lions to a 33–0 victory over an all-star team in the first professional football game played in Denver. Clark scored two touchdowns in the game, including a 52-yard touchdown run.{{Cite news |date=January 2, 1936 |title=Stanford, East, and Detroit Lions Win New Years Grid Tests: Dutch Clark Thrills 11,000 Denver Fans |page=8 |work=The Greeley Daily Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9865859/stanford_east_and_detroit_lions_win/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

After the 1935 season, Clark was again selected as the first-team All Pro quarterback; the United Press also selected him as the best player in the NFL, calling him the "keenest football strategist", the "most dangerous one-man threat", "a fine drop-kicker and a deadly tackler."{{Cite news |date=December 11, 1935 |title=United Press Selects Pro All-American Teams: Earl Clark Rated Best Player in League |page=8 |work=Middle Town (NY) Times Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9945460/united_press_selects_pro_allamerican/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The Los Angeles Times noted that Clark "has been acclaimed as the greatest back in the history of the game."{{Cite news |last=Frank Finch |date=January 10, 1936 |title="Dutch" Clark Rated Greatest Grid Star: Detroit Captain, Versatile Sports Figure, Likes Basketball Better Than Football |pages=13, 15 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9865938/dutch_clark_rated_greatest_grid_star/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Another writer said he had "the nimblest legs in football" and called him the modern back who comes "nearest to perfection"."{{Cite news |date=February 2, 1936 |title="Dutch" Clark, Detroit Star, Greatest Back In Football: Lions' Quarterback Nearest Approach to Perfect Player |page=16 |work=The Honolulu Advertiser |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9866028/dutch_clark_detroit_star_greatest/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Red Grange called Clark "the hardest man in football to tackle" and noted: "His change of pace fools the best tacklers." Lions' head coach Potsy Clark cited intelligence and leadership as the factors that separated Clark from others:

For one thing he knows what plays to call. He is one of the most intelligent men who ever played football. He knows the game thoroughly. He rarely makes a mistake. But his main asset is ability to gain the confidence of players. He makes them absolutely believe in him. They never question any play he calls, they regard him as infallible. This confidence is not misplaced. I have never known 'Dutch' to criticize any player. Any time a play goes wrong he takes the entire blame, regardless of who is responsible."

In February 1936, Clark announced that, despite the successful 1935 season, he might quit professional football. He noted that time had slowed him, and he preferred pursuing a business career in his hometown of Pueblo, Colorado.{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1936 |title='Dutch' Clark Lost To Detroit Lions |page=35 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9866055/dutch_clark_lost_to_detroit_lions/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} He took a job as the general manager of the Colorado State Fair, but wrote to the Lions in June advising that he had been granted a leave of absence to rejoin the club in August, with time to prepare for the Chicago College All-Star Game set for September 1.{{Cite news |last=Tod Rockwell |date=June 2, 1936 |title=Dutch Clark Gives the Word He'll Be Back to Pilot Lions |page=17 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9866095/dutch_clark_gives_the_word_hell_be/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

During the 1936 NFL season, Clark led the Lions to an 8–4 record, third-best in the NFL. For the third time in his career, Clark led the NFL in scoring with 73 points, Clark's tally coming on seven touchdowns, 19 extra points, and four field goals. He ranked second in the league with 1,095 yards of total offense. He also ranked among the NFL's leaders with 628 rushing yards (third) and 467 passing yards (sixth). For the fifth time in five years of NFL play, he was selected as the first-team All-Pro quarterback. The United Press also selected Clark as the most valuable player in the NFL, citing his talents as "the smartest quarterback in football" and his multiple talents as ball carrier, passer, drop-kicker, and defensive player.{{Cite news |last=George Kirksey |date=December 18, 1936 |title=Earl [Dutch] Clark Named Foremost Pro Grid Player: Detroit Quarterback Is Tops Among the Nation's Performers, Packers Best |page=17 |work=Dunkirk (N.Y.) Evening Observer (UP story) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9917643/earl_dutch_clark_named_foremost_pro/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

At the end of the 1936 season, Clark announced that he intended to pursue a coaching position for the 1937 season.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1936 |title='Dutchman' Seeks a Job as Coach: Will Return to Lions If Unsuccessful |page=26 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9866235/dutchman_seeks_a_job_as_coach_will/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Three weeks after Clark's announcement, the Lions' head coach Potsy Clark resigned to accept the head coaching job with the Brooklyn Dodgers.{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1937 |title=Potsy Clark Quits Lions for Coaching Job with Brooklyn |page=15 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9743158/potsy_clark_quits_lions_for_coaching/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Dutch Clark was signed the next day as the Lions' head coach, adding coaching duties to his pre-existing duties as player and team captain.{{Cite news |last=Tod Rockwell |date=January 6, 1937 |title=Dutch Clark Is Given Full Authority over Detroit Lion Grid Team: Newly-Named Coach to Sign His Own Team |page=17 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9743340/dutch_clark_is_given_full_authority/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

During the 1937 season, Clark finished among the NFL leaders with five rushing touchdowns (first), 4.9 yards per rushing attempt (second), 468 rushing yards (fourth), and 45 points scored (fourth). For the Lions' 1937 Thanksgiving Day game against the Bears, the team held a "Dutch Clark Day". Before a capacity crowd of 26,000, the Lions presented Clark with an automobile, and his wife received a platinum wristwatch set with diamonds. After the game, a punishing loss, Clark announced his retirement as a player, saying: "I'm too old. Look how long it takes me to get undressed." Tod Rockwell of the Detroit Free Press wrote that, as Clark announced his retirement, he was "bruised from head to foot", his left hand was "swollen double its normal size", there were "welts on his legs, a lump over one eye, and a belt on the mouth had split open his lips in several places."{{Cite news |last=Tod Rockwell |date=November 26, 1937 |title=Lions Unable to Match Bears' Crushing Power |page=19 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9866450/lions_unable_to_match_bears_crushing/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

After the 1937 season, Clark was named the first-team All-Pro quarterback for the sixth time.{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1937 |title=Dutch Clark Wins Quarterback Post On Pro Grid Team |page=12 |work=The Ogden (UT) Standard-Examiner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9917441/dutch_clark_wins_quarterback_post_on/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In polling of 27 sports editors in NFL cities, Clark led all other players with 25 first-team votes.{{Cite news |date=December 20, 1937 |title=Dutch Clark Leads Editors' All-Pro Eleven by Landslide: Coach of Lions Misses Out on Only 2 Returns |page=15 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9917375/dutch_clark_leads_editors_allpro/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

In May 1938, Clark announced that he was open to playing during the 1938 season, though he intended to play "as little as possible," and not at all if the Lions could secure the services of a satisfactory quarterback.{{Cite news |last=Tod Rockwell |date=May 8, 1938 |title=Old-Time Gridders Faced with Tough Business Deal: Dutch Clark and Ernie Caddel Must Rebuild Lions to Meet Rugged Opposition in Fall |page=40 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9866503/oldtime_gridders_faced_with_tough/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Bill Shepherd took over as the club's starting quarterback in 1938, and Clark appeared only briefly in six games, carrying the ball seven times and completing six of 12 passes.

During his eight years as a player in the NFL, Clark appeared in 75 games, totaled 2,772 rushing yards, 1,507 passing yards, and 341 receiving yards, scored 42 touchdowns, kicked 72 extra points and 15 field goals, and totaled 369 points scored.{{Cite web |title=Dutch Clark Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClarDu20.htm |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference |language=en}} He held the NFL's career scoring record at the time of his retirement.{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1939 |title=Dutch Clark Retires From Active Grid Players' List |page=17 |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9883989/dutch_clark_retires_from_active_grid/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

In March 1933, Clark was hired as head football coach for the Colorado School of Mines football team. He led the team to a 1–5 record during the 1933 college football season. He resigned his post in March 1934 in order to return to the NFL with the Detroit Lions.{{Cite news |date=March 27, 1934 |title=Dutch Clark Resigns Position as Coach |page=14 |work=San Bernardino (CA) Daily Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9749338/dutch_clark_resigns_position_as_coach/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Clark was player-coach with the Lions during the 1937 and 1938 seasons. Under his leadership, the Lions compiled identical 7–4 records and finished in second place in the NFL's West Division in both years.{{Cite web |title=1937 Detroit Lions Schedule & Game Results |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1937_games.htm |access-date=March 22, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}}{{Cite web |title=1938 Detroit Lions Schedule & Game Results |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1938_games.htm |access-date=March 22, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}}

In December 1938, Clark resigned as head coach of the Lions and signed a two-year contract as head coach of the Cleveland Rams.{{Cite news |last=Tod Rockwell |date=December 17, 1938 |title=Lion Coaching Post Is Open as Rams Sign Clark |page=15 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9743613/lion_coaching_post_is_open_as_rams_sign/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} During the 1939 season, Clark sought permission to play for the Rams, but the NFL ruled that the Lions held rights to him as a player, rejected the Rams' request to declare Clark a free agent, and held that the Rams must strike a deal with the Lions to allow Clark to play. The Lions expressed a willingness to work something out but only if the Rams sent a player to the Lions in exchange.{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1939 |title=Rams Must Buy Own Coach So He Can Play Sunday |page=15 |work=Evening Times, Cumberland, Maryland |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9883775/rams_must_buy_own_coach_so_he_can_play/}} No deal was reached, and Clark's role with the Rams in 1939 was limited to coaching. In January 1940, after the Lions were sold to new owners, the club agreed to grant Clark a players' release if he submitted a request.{{Cite news |date=January 18, 1939 |title=Dutch Clark's Release From Lions Awaits Only His Asking |page=6 |work=The Battle Creek (Michigan) Moon-Journal |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9884163/dutch_clarks_release_from_lions_awaits/}}

As head coach, Clark led the Rams to records of 5–5–1 in 1939, 4–6–1 in 1940, 2–9 in 1941, and 5–6 in 1942.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland/St. Louis/LA Rams Franchise Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/ |access-date=March 22, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}}

In March 1943, Clark announced that he would not seek renewal of his contract as coach of the Rams.{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1943 |title=Dutch Clark Quits as Rams' Coach |page=19 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9743762/dutch_clark_quits_as_rams_coach/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

After retiring from the Rams, Clark returned to Pueblo, Colorado, where he took a job selling insurance.{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1944 |title=Accept Dutch Clark |page=9 |work=Lafayette (Ind.) Journal and Courier |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9744033/accept_dutch_clark/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In February 1944, Clark was accepted for limited service in the United States Army.{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1944 |title=Dutch Clark Accepted for Limited Service |page=13 |work=Wilkes-Barre Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9743965/dutch_clark_accepted_for_limited_service/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} After the war, Clark continued to work in the insurance business and acquired an ownership interest in a wine merchant in Colorado Springs.{{Cite news |date=August 23, 1945 |title=A Win Merchant Now |page=21 |work=Battle Creek Enquirer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9884703/a_wine_merchant_now/}}

In July 1944, Clark signed as coach of the Seattle team in the newly formed American Football League (not to be confused with the more successful American Football League of the 1960s which is now the basis of the NFL's American Football Conference) of the Pacific Coast.{{Cite news |date=July 10, 1944 |title="Dutch" Clark Signs As Seattle Grid Coach |page=18 |work=The Indianapolis Star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9744215/dutch_clark_signs_as_seattle_grid/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} He coached the Seattle Bombers to a 5–5–1 record in the league's only season.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RisaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uiMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4334,5770661&dq=bill-sargent+coach&hl=en Coast Pro League Tilts Lid Sunday] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117042839/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RisaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=uiMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4334,5770661&dq=bill-sargent+coach&hl=en |date=November 17, 2015 }}, The Milwaukee Journal, August 31, 1944.[http://www.profootballresearchers.org/Coffin_Corner/04-07-104.pdf PCPFL: 1940-45 By Bob Gill] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726192703/http://www.profootballresearchers.org/Coffin_Corner/04-07-104.pdf |date=July 26, 2011 }}, The Coffin Corner, Vol. 4, No. 7, 1982.

In March 1949, Clark was hired as backfield coach for the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference.{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1949 |title=Dutch Clark to Aid Phelan as Coach of Dons |page=III-1 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9744449/dutch_clark_to_aid_phelan_as_coach_of/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In December 1949, after one season with the Dons (which folded after the season, with some of the other AAFC teams merging into the NFL),{{Cite news |last=Joe Falls |date=January 6, 1954 |title=Clark Quits: Fromhart Is Selected for Detroit Post |page=8B |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9910616/clark_quits_fromhart_is_selected_for/}} Clark accepted a job offer to become backfield coach with the Chicago Cardinals for the 1950 season, but that opportunity was lost days later when Buddy Parker resigned as the Cardinals' head coach.{{Cite news |date=December 18, 1949 |title=Dutch Clark Has Job with Cards; Then He Doesn't |pages=2–5 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9910275/dutch_clark_has_job_with_cards_then_he/}}

In March 1950, Clark was hired as an assistant coach of the University of Detroit Titans football team.{{Cite news |date=March 16, 1950 |title=Dutch Clark Takes Post as Titans' Gridiron Aide: Ex-Lion Gets 1-Year Pact |page=24 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9744736/dutch_clark_takes_post_as_titans/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} The 1950 Detroit Titans football team, with Clark as backfield coach, compiled a 6–3–1 record.{{Cite web |title=1950 Detroit Mercy Titans Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/detroit-mercy/1950-schedule.html |access-date=March 29, 2015 |website=SR/College Football |publisher=Sports Reference}} After the 1950 season, Chuck Baer resigned as the school's head football coach. In February 1951, Clark was promoted to the dual role of head football coach and athletic director at the University of Detroit.{{Cite news |last=Dick Peters |date=February 25, 1951 |title=Clark Given Dual Role in New U-D Grid Setup: Brazil Put in Different Sport Post |page=31 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9744946/clark_given_dual_role_in_new_ud_grid/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} Despite leading the Titans to records of 4–7 and 3–6 in 1951 and 1952, respectively, Clark was selected by his fellow Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) coaches as coach of the year at the end of the 1952 season.{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1952 |title=Valley Picks Dutch Clark As 'Coach of the Year' |page=35 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9745162/valley_picks_dutch_clark_as_coach_of/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In 1953, he led the Titans to a 6–4 record and a tie with Oklahoma A&M for the MVC championship.{{Cite news |date=November 27, 1953 |title=U. of D. Wins Share In Conference Title |page=17 |work=Battle Creek Enquirer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9747059/u_of_d_wins_share_in_conference_title/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

At the end of December 1953, Clark resigned as the University of Detroit's head football coach to pursue a business opportunity in Detroit.{{Cite news |last=Dick Peters |date=January 6, 1954 |title=Clark Resigns In Surprise Move: Fromhart Named U-D Coach |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9745402/clark_resigns_in_suprise_move_fromhart/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |last=Joe Falls |date=January 6, 1954 |title=Clark Quits: Fromhart Is Selected for Detroit Post |page=8B |work=The Shreveport Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9746851/clark_quits_fromhart_is_selected_for/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} He remain as athletic director through the end of February 1954 when his contract expired.{{Cite news |date=February 28, 1954 |title=Dutch Clark's Contract Ends Midnight Sunday |page=27 |work=The Times Herald (Port Huron, Michigan) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9910760/dutch_clarks_contract_ends_midnight/}}

File:Dutch Clark Stadium.jpg in the distant background.]]

Clark has received numerous honors for his contributions to the sport. His honors include the following:

• In January 1940, the Associated Press (AP) selected Clark as "Football's Man of the Decade", the outstanding football player of the 1930s, beating out competitors such as Don Hutson, Sammy Baugh, and Mel Hein. In selecting Clark, the AP noted: "He could do everything. An accurate punter, a great drop-kicker, a sure tackler and a skillful, hard blocker, he was also one of the National league's better passers and had few equals as a runner. As a quarterback, he was virtually a coach on the field. Clark was not only fast but ran with a deceptive change of pace."{{Cite news |last=Dillon Graham |date=January 15, 1940 |title=Football's Man of the Decade: Clark |page=14 |work=Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent (AP story) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9884424/footballs_man_of_the_decade_clark/}}
• In August 1950, Clark was one of 24 players selected as charter inductees into the Helms Athletic Foundation's Professional Football Hall of Fame.{{Cite news |date=August 7, 1950 |title=24 Pro Gridders To 'Hall of Fame' |page=11 |work=Lafayette (Ind.) Journal and Courier |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9736768/24_pro_gridders_to_hall_of_fame/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
• In November 1951, Clark was one of 52 inaugural inductees into the National Football Foundation's Football Hall of Fame (later renamed the College Football Hall of Fame).{{Cite news |date=November 5, 1951 |title=Hall of Fame Now Has 31 Players and 21 Coaches |page=7 |work=Wisconsin Rapids (Wis.) Daily Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9737688/hall_of_fame_now_has_31_players_and_21/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web |title=Earl "Dutch" Clark |url={{College Football HoF/url|id=1347}} |access-date=March 22, 2017 |publisher=National Football Foundation}}
• In May 1959, Clark was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.{{Cite news |last=Lyall Smith |author-link=Lyall Smith |date=May 21, 1959 |title=As of Today |page=37 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9736625/as_of_today_lyall_smith/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
• In January 1963, Clark was selected as one of the 17 inaugural inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. At the time of the announcement, Clark called it his greatest thrill since being selected as an All-American in 1928.{{Cite news |date=January 30, 1963 |title=Pro Grid 'Hall' Honors 17 Greats |page=D1 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9736335/pro_grid_hall_honors_17_greats/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
• In March 1965, Clark was one of three inaugural inductees (along with Byron White and Jack Dempsey) into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.{{Cite news |last=Al Warden |date=March 28, 1965 |title=Dempsey, White and Clark to Be Honored at Hall of Fame Dinner |page=8B |work=The Ogden Standard-Examiner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9737054/dempsey_white_and_clark_to_be_honored/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite web |title=Earl "Dutch" Clark |url=http://www.coloradosports.org/index.php/who-s-in-the-hall/inductees/item/55-earl-dutch-clark |access-date=March 22, 2017 |publisher=Colorado Sports Hall of Fame}}
• In August 1969, Clark was named to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team.{{Cite news |date=August 27, 1969 |title=All-1930's NFL Team Selected |page=C5 |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9748483/all1930s_nfl_team_selected/}}
• In October 1973, Clark was selected as one of two inaugural inductees into the Greater Pueblo Sports Association's Hall of Fame.{{Cite news |date=October 10, 1973 |title=Clark named to Hall of Fame |page=3D |work=Fort Collins Coloradoan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9737136/clark_named_to_hall_of_fame/}}{{Cite web |title=Earl Harry "Dutch" Clark |url=http://www.pueblogshof.com/index.php/earl-harry-dutch-clark |access-date=March 22, 2017 |publisher=The Greater Pueblo Sports Association |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}
• In 1980, the Pueblo Public School Stadium was renamed Earl "Dutch" Clark Stadium. A statue of Clark by the Latka Studios was added in 1985.{{Cite news |last=Nick Jurney |date=October 2, 2013 |title=Earl "Greatness" Clark - One of the NFL's Important Early Legends |work=Pulp Newsmagazine |url=http://pueblopulp.com/earl-dutch-clark-one-of-the-nfls-important-early-legends |access-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330180313/http://pueblopulp.com/earl-dutch-clark-one-of-the-nfls-important-early-legends |url-status=dead }}
• In 1995, Clark was inducted posthumously, and as one of the inaugural inductees, into the Colorado College Athletic Hall of Fame.{{Cite news |title=Colorado College Athletic Hall of Fame |publisher=Colorado College |url=http://www.cctigers.com/sports/2008/4/18/HallOfFame.aspx |access-date=March 22, 2017}}
• In November 2009, Clark was one of 12 former Detroit Lions to be included in the club's "Pride of the Lions" charter class.{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Lions Announce 12-Member Pride of the Lions Charter Class |url=http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Lions-Announce-12-Member-Pride-of-the-Lions-Charter-Class/6c1ce7a9-0963-4a7f-9c9f-7f17cef139e4 |publisher=Detroit Lions |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330180422/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Lions-Announce-12-Member-Pride-of-the-Lions-Charter-Class/6c1ce7a9-0963-4a7f-9c9f-7f17cef139e4 |url-status=dead }}
• In November 2019, Clark was among 12 running backs named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.{{Cite web |title=NFL 100 All-Time Team running backs revealed |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001079486/article/nfl-100-alltime-team-running-backs-revealed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123080828/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001079486/article/nfl-100-alltime-team-running-backs-revealed |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |access-date=November 23, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}

In June 1930, Clark received his degree from Colorado College. Later the same day, he was married to Dorothy Schrader, a school teacher and Clark's high school sweetheart, in a ceremony at Pueblo, Colorado.{{Cite news |date=June 11, 1930 |title="Dutch" Clark Marries Today |page=10 |work=The Tribune-Republican (Greeley, Col.) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9747494/dutch_clark_marries_today/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1930 |title=Grid Star Graduated, Weds, Departs for New School |page=34 |work=Oakland Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9747595/grid_star_graduated_weds_departs_for/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} They had a son, Earl Clark Jr., born in December 1934.{{Cite news |date=December 23, 1934 |title="Dutch" Clark a Father |page=8 |work=The Sedalia (MO) Democrat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9747261/dutch_clark_a_father/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

Clark's wife, Dorothy, died suddenly in May 1952 as the result of a stroke at age 43.{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1952 |title=Dutch Clark's Wife Dies Suddenly |page=22 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9748035/dutch_clarks_wife_dies_suddenly/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1952 |title=Services Set for Mrs. Clark |page=27 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9747956/services_set_for_mrs_clark/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} In January 1955, Clark was remarried to Ruth Jane Lowther, the widow of former Detroit Lions player Jackie Lowther. In December of that year, their son, Timothy Clark was born. Clark also became stepfather to his second wife's two sons, Charles and Thomas Lowther, ages nine and five.{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1955 |title=Dutch Clark Weds Widow Of Ex-Titan |page=11 |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9747849/dutch_clark_weds_widow_of_extitan/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}}

After retiring from football in the 1950s, Clark lived in Royal Oak, Michigan, and worked as a sales representative for an engineering firm.{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1961 |title=Where Are They Now? [Dutch Clark] |page=15 |work=Ironwood Daily Globe (AP story) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9911046/where_are_they_now_dutch_clark/}}

In 1975, Clark and his second wife, Ruth Jane, moved to Canon City, Colorado. In August 1978, Clark died from cancer at age 71 at his home in Canon City.{{Cite news |last=Hal Schram |date=August 6, 1978 |title=Ex-Lion star Dutch Clark dies at age 71 |page=1E |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9735531/exlion_star_dutch_clark_dies_at_age_71/ |via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open access}} He was buried at Lakeside Cemetery in Canon City.

{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = no }}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Colorado Mines Orediggers

| conf = Rocky Mountain Conference

| startyear = 1933

| endyear = single

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 1933

| name = Colorado Mines

| overall = 1–5

| conference = 1–5

| confstanding = 10th

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Colorado Mines

| overall = 1–5

| confrecord = 1–5

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Detroit Titans

| conf = Missouri Valley Conference

| startyear = 1951

| endyear = 1953

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 1951

| name = Detroit

| overall = 4–7

| conference = 2–4

| confstanding = T–5th

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| year = 1952

| name = Detroit

| overall = 3–6

| conference = 1–3

| confstanding = 4th

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = conference

| year = 1953

| name = Detroit

| overall = 6–4

| conference = 3–1

| confstanding = T–1st

| bowlname =

| bowloutcome =

| bcsbowl =

| ranking = no

| ranking2 = no

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Detroit

| overall = 13–18

| confrecord = 6–8

}}

{{CFB Yearly Record End

| overall = 14–22

| bowls = no

| poll = no

| polltype =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Start | type = | conference = | postseason = | poll = }}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Colorado College Tigers

| conference = Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference

| startyear = 1930

| endyear = 1933

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 1930–31

| name = Colorado College

| overall = 14–15

| conference =

| confstanding =

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 1931–32

| name = Colorado College

| overall = 14–6

| conference =

| confstanding =

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 1932–33

| name = Colorado College

| overall = 7–12

| conference =

| confstanding =

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Colorado College

| overall = 35–33

| confrecord =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Colorado Mines Orediggers

| conference = Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference

| startyear = 1933

| endyear = 1934

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 1933–34

| name = Colorado Mines

| overall = 1–13

| conference =

| confstanding =

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Colorado Mines

| overall = 1–13

| confrecord =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead

| name = Colorado Buffaloes

| conference = Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference

| startyear = 1934

| endyear = 1935

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 1934–35

| name = Colorado

| overall = 3–9

| conference = 3–9

| confstanding =

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Colorado

| overall = 3–9

| confrecord = 3–9

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record End

| overall = 39–55

| legend = no

}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• Bob Curran, Pro Football's Rag Days. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1969.
• Chris Willis, Dutch Clark: The Life of an NFL Legend and the Birth of the Detroit Lions. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2012.

{{Commons}}

• {{Profootballhof|46}}
• {{College Football HoF|1347}}
• {{Footballstats|nfl=dutch-clark |pfr=C/ClarDu20 }}
• {{Find a Grave}}
• [https://www.pueblod60.org/Domain/36 Dutch Clark Online at Paragon]

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