Career Timeline of Jadeveon Clowney: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jadeveon Clowney made an impact.

Jadeveon Clowney is an American professional football defensive end currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys. He gained prominence at the University of South Carolina, winning the Ted Hendricks Award in 2012. Drafted first overall by the Houston Texans in 2014, Clowney earned three Pro Bowl selections and one second-team All-Pro selection during his five seasons with the team. After leaving Houston, he played for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers, before landing with the Cowboys in 2025.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Freshman Football

In 2007, as a freshman at South Pointe High School, standing 6’ 3” and weighing 200 lbs, Jadeveon Clowney played running back and defensive end for the junior varsity team.

2008: 10-4 Record

In 2008, Clowney helped his team to a 10-4 record and a state semifinal berth, finishing the season with 144 tackles and 23 sacks.

2008: AAAAAA Division 1 Title

In 2008, South Pointe, including Clowney, went 15–0 for the season, including a 35–14 win over town-rival Northwestern High at Memorial Stadium for the 2008 South Carolina AAAAAA Division 1 title and a No. 3 spot in the overall annual MaxPreps high school ranking.

February 14, 2011: Commitment to South Carolina

On his eighteenth birthday, February 14, 2011, Jadeveon Clowney announced his commitment to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks, choosing them over other schools.

2011: Attended South Carolina

In 2011, Jadeveon Clowney began attending the University of South Carolina, playing football for the Gamecocks under coach Steve Spurrier.

2011: Track and Field

In 2011, Jadeveon Clowney competed in track and field events, including sprinting, shot put, and discus throw, achieving personal bests in various events.

2011: Rated Top Prospect

Throughout his senior year in 2011, Jadeveon Clowney was considered the consensus No. 1 overall prospect of the 2011 class by major recruiting services.

2012: Ted Hendricks Award

In 2012, Jadeveon Clowney won the Ted Hendricks Award while playing college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

January 1, 2013: Outback Bowl Victory

On January 1, 2013, Jadeveon Clowney helped the South Carolina Gamecocks secure a 33–28 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Outback Bowl, gaining fame for a hit on Vincent Smith.

January 2013: Projected Top Pick

As early as January 2013, Jadeveon Clowney was projected as a top-three selection in the 2014 NFL draft.

September 2013: Ranked Among Top Picks

In late September 2013, mock drafts still ranked Jadeveon Clowney among the top-two picks for the 2014 NFL draft.

2013: Played for Gamecocks

Jadeveon Clowney played for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2011 through 2013.

February 2014: Excels at NFL Combine

At the NFL Combine in February 2014, Jadeveon Clowney posted an official 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds, the fastest among defensive linemen.

June 6, 2014: Signed with Houston Texans

On June 6, 2014, Jadeveon Clowney signed a four-year deal worth $22.272 million with the Houston Texans, including a $14.518 million signing bonus.

August 9, 2014: Professional Debut

On August 9, 2014, Jadeveon Clowney made his professional debut during the first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

2014: Enters the NFL Draft

After South Carolina's win in the 2014 Capital One Bowl, Jadeveon Clowney announced he would forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

2014: Drafted by Houston Texans

In 2014, Jadeveon Clowney was selected first overall in the NFL draft by the Houston Texans.

September 13, 2015: Returned to Play

After injuries, Jadeveon Clowney returned to play on September 13, 2015, against the Kansas City Chiefs.

October 25, 2015: First Regular Season Sack

On October 25, 2015, Jadeveon Clowney recorded his first regular season NFL sack in a game against the Miami Dolphins.

2016: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selection

In 2016, Jadeveon Clowney was named to his first Pro Bowl and awarded second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.

January 7, 2017: First NFL Interception

On January 7, 2017, Jadeveon Clowney recorded his first NFL interception against Connor Cook in a Wild Card Round game against the Oakland Raiders.

April 14, 2017: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 14, 2017, the Houston Texans picked up the fifth-year option on Jadeveon Clowney's contract.

2018: 2018 Season Performance

In the 2018 season, Jadeveon Clowney finished with nine sacks, 47 total tackles, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.

March 4, 2019: Texans Placed Franchise Tag

On March 4, 2019, the Texans placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney.

August 31, 2019: Traded to the Seattle Seahawks

On August 31, 2019, Jadeveon Clowney was traded from the Texans to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo, and a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

September 29, 2019: First Regular Season Interception

On September 29, 2019, Jadeveon Clowney had his first-ever regular season interception against the Cardinals, off a screen pass from Kyler Murray. He returned it to the end zone for a touchdown in Seattle's 27–10 win.