Jadeveon Clowney

Jadeveon Clowney's Biography

Jadeveon Davarus Clowney, born on February 14, 1993, has positioned himself as a formidable talent in the world of professional American football. Currently serving as a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League (NFL), Clowney’s football journey began in his home state of South Carolina. Powerful and well-built even as a fresh-faced freshman at 6’3” and weighing 200 lbs in 2007, Clowney initially played as a running back and defensive end for the junior varsity team at South Pointe High School.

While his freshman days were marked by his contributions as a running back and defensive end, Clowney quickly became a household name at South Pointe as a defensive end. Thanks to his athletic prowess, the Stallions secured a 15-0 season, winning the 2008 South Carolina AAAA Division II title. The Stallions achieved an extraordinary feat with Clowney managing 17 sacks despite a troubling bone spur in his foot, an injury that ultimately required surgery.

After the graduation of 31 seniors, Clowney’s role as a team member became even more vital. Despite the loss of significant teammates, Clowney led the Stallions to a 10-4 record, making it to the state semifinals, where they narrowly lost to Northwestern. He tackled 144 times, with an extraordinary 23 of these being sacks. In his senior year, Clowney established himself as a defensive powerhouse, leading his team to a 13-2 record with 162 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, 11 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries.

Beyond his success with South Pointe, Clowney’s tireless work ethic and athletic prowess caught the attention of the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and subsequently earned him a place in the Under Armour All-America Game. In NYC, Clowney graced the pages of ESPN the Magazine, cementing his status as an ascending star in football.

Both Rivals.com and Scout.com, among other major recruiting services, crowned Clowney as the No. 1 prospect of the 2011 class. Following his success in high school, he announced his commitment to South Carolina, choosing the Gamecocks over other leading athletic establishments.

During his time at the University of South Carolina, Clowney played under head coach Steve Spurrier from 2011 through 2013. He embarked on his freshmen year with decidedly remarkable performances, which were rewarded with SEC Freshman of the Year and All-SEC 2nd Team honors. Clowney’s sophomore season saw an explosive increase in his productivity, with a record tally of 13.0 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss.

As his junior season unfolded, Clowney, controversially sat out the Kentucky game and his season stats were less notable than the previous year. However, his remarkable achievements in previous years enabled him to be selected to the first-team in the All-Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The 2014 Capital One Bowl marked Clowney’s final game with the University of South Carolina, wherein he decided to forgo his senior year to enter the NFL Draft. Perceived as a top-three prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft, Clowney was scouted and highly praised by leading NFL executives and analysts.

In February 2014, Clowney outperformed his competitors at the NFL Combine. His outstanding time in the 40-yard dash established him as a top pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. As anticipated, Clowney was the first overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft, making him the third player to be chosen first by the Texans.

Clowney’s professional football career began with a four-year contract with the Houston Texans in 2014, marking an important milestone in Clowney’s football journey. He made his professional debut during the preseason game held in August 2014 and bagged his first professional sack in game two against the Atlanta Falcons.

Throughout his career in the NFL, Clowney played for the Houston Texans for five seasons, marked by three consecutive Pro Bowl selections during his last years with the team. Additionally, he had brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens before landing his current position with the Carolina Panthers. Undeniably, throughout his football tenure, Clowney has showcased an enormous capacity for growth and determination, sealing his status as a mainstay in the realm of American football.

Today, Jadeveon Clowney continues to play as a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers, solidifying his place as one of football’s stand-out defensive players.