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 a professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL draft after a successful college career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, where he won the Ted Hendricks Award. Clowney spent five seasons with the Texans, earning three Pro Bowl selections. Subsequently, he played for the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens before joining the Panthers.

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

January 2013: Projected as Top NFL Draft 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-Two NFL Picks

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

2013: Finished Junior Season

Jadeveon Clowney finished his junior season in 2013 with lower statistics compared to his sophomore year but was still a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.

2013: Played for the Gamecocks through 2013

Jadeveon Clowney played for the South Carolina Gamecocks through 2013 under coach Steve Spurrier.

February 2014: Excelled at NFL Combine

At the NFL Combine in February 2014, Jadeveon Clowney posted an official time of 4.53 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 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 for the Houston Texans during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

2014: Announced Entry into NFL Draft

After South Carolina's 34–24 win over Wisconsin in the 2014 Capital One Bowl, Jadeveon Clowney announced he would forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

2014: Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

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

September 13, 2015: Returned Against Kansas City Chiefs

On September 13, 2015, Jadeveon Clowney returned to play against the Kansas City Chiefs after a spate of injuries the previous year.

October 25, 2015: Recorded First Regular Season NFL Sack

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

January 7, 2017: Recorded First NFL Interception

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

April 14, 2017: Texans Picked Up Fifth-Year Option

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

March 4, 2019: Texans placed franchise tag on Clowney

On March 4, 2019, the Texans placed the franchise tag on Jadeveon Clowney. He was also ranked 63rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

August 31, 2019: Clowney Traded to Seahawks

On August 31, 2019, the Texans traded Jadeveon Clowney 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 quarterback Kyler Murray, returning it for a touchdown in Seattle's 27–10 win.