History of Jadeveon Clowney in Timeline

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

1977: Ross Browner

In 1977, Ross Browner set a Clemson Memorial Stadium record.

1984: Bruce Smith

In 1984, Bruce Smith tied the Clemson Memorial Stadium record.

February 14, 1993: Jadeveon Clowney Born

On February 14, 1993, Jadeveon Davarus Clowney was born. He is an American professional football linebacker.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Mother began working at Frito-Lay

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

1995: Father's Imprisonment

In 1995, Jadeveon Clowney's father, David Morgan, was incarcerated for robbing a Rock Hill check cashing business and served nearly 12 years.

2006: Father Released From Prison

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

2006: First defensive player drafted first overall since 2006

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

2007: Played on junior varsity team

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

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.

2008: Helped team to a 10-4 record

In 2008, Clowney helped the South Pointe team to a 10–4 record for the season, and a state semifinal berth, where the Stallions lost to Northwestern. Clowney finished the season with 144 tackles and 23 sacks.

2008: South Pointe Wins State Title

In 2008, South Pointe, with Jadeveon Clowney, went 15–0 for the season, winning the South Carolina AAAAAA Division 1 title and earning a No. 3 spot in the MaxPreps high school ranking. Clowney finished with 17 sacks despite a bone spur in his foot.

January 2009: Clowney had 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 tallying 162 tackles, 29.5 sacks, and leading his team to a 13-2 record.

February 14, 2011: Commitment to South Carolina

On February 14, 2011, Jadeveon Clowney announced his commitment to South Carolina, choosing the Gamecocks over other universities.

February 2011: Photo Shoot for ESPN

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

2011: Attended University of South Carolina

In 2011, Jadeveon Clowney began attending the University of South Carolina where he played on the Gamecocks football team.

2011: Competed in track & field

In 2011, Jadeveon Clowney competed in track & field, participating as a sprinter, shot putter, and discus thrower for his school's team.

2011: Ranked #1 overall prospect of the 2011 class

Throughout his high school career, and especially in 2011, Jadeveon Clowney was regarded as the consensus No. 1 overall prospect of the 2011 class by major recruiting services.

2012: Unanimous All-American Honors

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

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 1, 2013: Outback Bowl Victory and Famous Hit

On January 1, 2013, Jadeveon Clowney helped the Gamecocks to a 33–28 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Outback Bowl and gained instant fame for a hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith.

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.

July 17, 2013: Won ESPY Award for Best Play

On July 17, 2013, Jadeveon Clowney won the 2013 ESPY Award for best play for his hit in the Outback Bowl.

September 2013: Ranked among the top-two picks

In Late September 2013 mock drafts still ranked Clowney among the top-two picks.

2013: First-team All-SEC Selection

In 2013, Jadeveon Clowney finished his junior season with 35 tackles, 10.5 for a loss of yardage, and three quarterback sacks and was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.

2013: Played on the Gamecocks football team

Jadeveon Clowney played on the Gamecocks football team through 2013.

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: Clowney projected No. 1 by Sports Illustrated

After the college season concluded in 2014, Clowney was still projected No. 1 by Sports Illustrated.

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.

December 19, 2017: Named to Second Pro Bowl

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

2018: Ranked #32 on NFL Top 100 Players of 2018

In 2018, Jadeveon Clowney was ranked #32 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

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.

January 17, 2020: Named Pro Bowl Alternate

On January 17, 2020, Jadeveon Clowney was named as one of the 2020 Pro Bowl alternates. He was also ranked 41st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

September 8, 2020: Signed with Tennessee Titans

On September 8, 2020, Jadeveon Clowney signed a one-year, $12 million deal 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.

2020: Draft Pick Traded

In 2020, the third-round NFL draft pick acquired by the Seattle Seahawks was traded to the Oakland Raiders for Gareon Conley.

April 14, 2021: Signed with 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.

2022: Named Pro Bowl Alternate

In 2022, Jadeveon Clowney was named a Pro Bowl alternate after a productive season with the Cleveland Browns.

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.

March 15, 2023: Released by the Browns

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

August 18, 2023: Signed with Baltimore Ravens

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

March 27, 2024: Signed with 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 12, 2025: Arrested in Rock Hill

On September 12, 2025, Jadeveon Clowney was arrested in Rock Hill, South Carolina on misdemeanor trespassing and failure to identify charges following an incident involving parking in a restricted area and refusing to identify himself to officers.

September 14, 2025: Signed with Dallas Cowboys

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

September 19, 2025: Arrest Revealed

On September 19, 2025, it was revealed that Jadeveon Clowney was arrested on September 12, 2025 in his hometown of Rock Hill, South Carolina on misdemeanor trespassing and failure to identify charges.

Mentioned in this timeline

Tom Brady is a retired American football quarterback widely considered...

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team...

College football is a popular amateur sport in the United...

The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based...

Football encompasses a variety of team sports centered on kicking...

Arizona is a state in the Southwestern United States part...