History of Jadeveon Clowney in Timeline

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.

Sections (4)

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

1977: Ross Browner's Record

In 1977, Ross Browner, from Notre Dame, set a record at Clemson Memorial Stadium. This event is mentioned in relation to Clowney breaking the record for sacks in a single game.

1984: Bruce Smith's Record

In 1984, Bruce Smith, from Virginia Tech, equaled Ross Browner's record at Clemson Memorial Stadium. This event is mentioned in relation to Clowney breaking the record for sacks in a single game.

February 14, 1993: Clowney's Birth

Jadeveon Clowney was born on February 14, 1993, in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Others born on this day/year

February 14, 1993: Jadeveon Clowney Born

On February 14, 1993, Jadeveon Davarus Clowney was born. He is an American football defensive end in the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Mother's Employment

In 1994, Jadeveon Clowney's mother, Josenna Clowney, started working as a processing technician at the Frito-Lay plant in Charlotte, North Carolina.

1995: Father's Incarceration

In 1995, Jadeveon Clowney's father, David Morgan, was incarcerated for robbing a Rock Hill check cashing business.

2006: Father's Release from Prison

In 2006, Jadeveon Clowney's father, David Morgan, was released from prison after serving nearly 12 years.

2006: Texans Draft Mario Williams

In 2006, Mario Williams was the first defensive player selected first overall by any team before Jadeveon Clowney in 2014.

2007: Travian Robertson Freshman

In 2007, Travian Robertson became the first freshman to start on the defensive line. This event is indirectly mentioned in text describing Clowney becoming the first freshman to start on the defensive line since Travian Robertson

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.

January 2009: Foot Surgery

In January 2009, Jadeveon Clowney opted to have surgery on his foot to address a bone spur that he played with during the previous season.

2010: Named South Carolina's Mr. Football

In 2010, Jadeveon Clowney was named South Carolina's Mr. Football after a successful senior season at South Pointe High School.

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.

February 2011: ESPN Photo Shoot

In February 2011, Jadeveon Clowney went to New York City for a photo shoot for an ESPN the Magazine feature story.

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: Unanimous All-American

In 2012, Jadeveon Clowney received unanimous All-American honors.

2012: Awarded Ted Hendricks

In 2012, Jadeveon Clowney was named Unanimous All-American, won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's best defensive end and was voted by fans as the 2012 AT&T All-America Player of the Year on January 7.

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.

July 17, 2013: ESPY Award

On July 17, 2013, Jadeveon Clowney won the 2013 ESPY Award for best play for his hit on Vincent Smith during the Outback Bowl.

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: All-SEC Selection

In 2013, Jadeveon Clowney was named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.

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.

December 19, 2017: Named to Pro Bowl

On December 19, 2017, Jadeveon Clowney was named to his second Pro Bowl. He was unable to participate due to a knee surgery.

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.

January 17, 2020: Named Pro Bowl Alternate

On January 17, 2020, Jadeveon Clowney was named one of the 2020 Pro Bowl alternates.

September 8, 2020: Signed with the Tennessee Titans

On September 8, 2020, Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year deal worth $12 million with the Tennessee Titans.

November 21, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On November 21, 2020, Jadeveon Clowney was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.

April 14, 2021: Signed with the Cleveland Browns

On April 14, 2021, Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.

May 22, 2022: Re-signed with the Browns

On May 22, 2022, Jadeveon Clowney re-signed with the Cleveland Browns on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million.

January 6, 2023: Sent Home by the Browns

On January 6, 2023, Jadeveon Clowney was sent home by the Browns after making critical comments about his usage and likelihood to return to Cleveland in 2023. He was inactive for the season finale.

March 15, 2023: Released by the Browns

On March 15, 2023, Jadeveon Clowney was released by the Browns.

August 18, 2023: Signed with the Baltimore Ravens

On August 18, 2023, Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

March 27, 2024: Signed with the Carolina Panthers

On March 27, 2024, Jadeveon Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Carolina Panthers.

May 8, 2025: Released by the Panthers

On May 8, 2025, Jadeveon Clowney was released by the Carolina Panthers.

September 14, 2025: Signed with the Dallas Cowboys

On September 14, 2025, Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

September 19, 2025: Arrested in Rock Hill, South Carolina

On September 19, 2025, it was revealed that on September 12, two days before he officially signed with the Dallas Cowboys, Jadeveon Clowney was arrested in his hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina on misdemeanor trespassing and failure to identify charges.

2025: Joined the Dallas Cowboys

In 2025, Jadeveon Clowney joined the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.

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