Clinton Portis is a memorable 2000s RB; Where is he now?
WASHINGTON (BVM) – Sunday was a good day for the Miami Hurricanes football program, landing a four-star cornerback with a familiar name. Camdin Portis from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, pledged to the University of Miami.
100% COMMITTED #GOCANES🙌🏾@canesfootball @TheRealC_Portis@coach_cristobal @NcScprospects@dtrain2901 @captain_41 @co_jackson21 @coachjames29 @coachstfelix @LFletcher59 @coachsewelltheu pic.twitter.com/tbqoGxMVx1
— Camdin Portis (@CamdinPortis) October 27, 2024
The junior defensive back is the son of Hurricanes great Clinton Portis. The running back was a star at Miami before having a strong NFL career. Portis was one of the better players at his position throughout the 2000s.
College career
Portis burst onto the scene in Coral Gables making an impact as a true freshman. He had 838 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 1999, helping the Hurricanes finish at 9-4. James Jackson emerged as Miami’s lead back during his sophomore year, but Portis emerged again in 2001 for a career campaign.
He ran for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns that season as the Hurricanes defeated Nebraska in the national championship game. Frank Gore and Willis McGahee combined for 876 yards and eight touchdowns behind him.
#ThisDayinCanes:
September 1As we watch the Canes take it to the other Miami in the opener, let’s remember the ‘01 opener when Clinton Portis put on a show in a 33-7 whooping or Penn State on his 20th birthday @TheRealC_Portis pic.twitter.com/8YDDOKQSDO
— Canes Legacy (@CanesLegacy) September 1, 2023
Portis left the school as an all-time great and was inducted into Miami’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos took the running back in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft and he immediately helped the franchise. Portis ran for 1,508 yards and 15 touchdowns on 273 carries in his first season, taking home Offensive Rookie of the Year over Jeremy Shockey. He followed that up with a Pro Bowl season in 2003, racking up 1,591 yards.
Happy Birthday to No. 2⃣6⃣ @TheRealC_Portis! The Denver Broncos drafted Clinton Portis in the 2002 2nd round. Portis was the 2002 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 29 games as a Bronco, he amassed a whopping 3,099 rush. yds. and 29 rush. TDs, plus 678 yds. rec. and 2 rec. TDs! pic.twitter.com/OzDugUjOIz
— Mile High Moments (@MileHighMoments) September 1, 2024
Trade to Washington D.C.
The Broncos swung a blockbuster deal in 2004, sending Portis to the NFC East in exchange for Champ Bailey and a second-round pick. Washington immediately locked up the running back on an eight-year, $50.5 million extension.
Portis went from a great offensive line in Denver to a poor one with Washington, but he still managed to run for 2,831 yards in his first two seasons with the franchise. He would deal with a handful of injuries near the latter part of his career, but he still made another Pro Bowl in 2008.
He was cut by the team in 2011 and would never play again after that. Portis finished his career with 9,923 rushing yards which ranks 33rd all-time.
Post NFL career
Portis pleaded guilty to wire fraud and healthcare fraud in September 2021 and served six months in prison. He has since helped his twin sons (Camdin and Chaz) navigate the recruiting process, while also being the owner of Taco Chinoz & Bar, a Mexican restaurant that has two Virginia locations.
