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 linebacker currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys. He rose to prominence during his college football career at the University of South Carolina, where he won the Ted Hendricks Award. Clowney was subsequently selected as the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He spent five seasons with the Texans, earning three Pro Bowl selections. Since leaving Houston, Clowney has played for multiple teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers, before joining the Cowboys.

Sections (4)

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

2007: Started as a true freshman

Jadeveon Clowney started in all 12 games as a true freshman at South Carolina. He started the season opener against East Carolina, becoming the first freshman to start on the defensive line since Travian Robertson in 2007.

2012: Awarded with the Ted Hendricks Award and named AT&T All-America Player of the Year

In 2012, Jadeveon Clowney set school records for sacks and tackles for loss, and was awarded the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's best defensive end. Following his incredible sophomore season, he was voted by the fans as the 2012 AT&T All-America Player of the Year on January 7.

January 2013: Projected as a top-three selection

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

February 2014: Excelled at the NFL Combine

In February 2014, Jadeveon Clowney excelled at the NFL Combine, posting an official 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds, the fastest among defensive linemen.

June 6, 2014: Signed four-year deal with Texans

On June 6, 2014, Jadeveon Clowney signed a four-year deal worth $22.272 million with the Houston Texans, featuring 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, where he made a tackle for a loss of 5 yards on the first snap of the game.

2014: Announced entry into NFL draft

After South Carolina's win over Wisconsin in the 2014 Capital One Bowl, Jadeveon Clowney announced that he was going to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

2014: Selected first overall in the 2014 NFL draft

In 2014, Jadeveon Clowney was selected first overall by the Houston Texans in the NFL draft after playing college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

September 13, 2015: Return Against Kansas City Chiefs

On September 13, 2015, Jadeveon Clowney returned from injuries against the Kansas City Chiefs, making four tackles, one for a loss.

October 25, 2015: 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.

2016: Named to First Pro Bowl

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, in the Wild Card Round against the Oakland Raiders, Jadeveon Clowney recorded his first NFL interception against Connor Cook, in a 27–14 win.

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.

2018: Finished the 2018 Season

In the 2018 season, Jadeveon Clowney concluded 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 Clowney

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

August 31, 2019: Traded to Seattle Seahawks

On August 31, 2019, Jadeveon Clowney was traded from the Texans to the Seattle Seahawks 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 regular season interception in a game against the Cardinals, off a pass from Kyler Murray. He returned it for a touchdown.