The Dallas Cowboys are adding another veteran player to their group of pass rushers.
Jadeveon Clowney has officially signed with the Cowboys, joining the team on a one-year deal. Clowney has wide-ranging experience, suiting up for six other NFL teams before landing in Dallas.
Here are five things to know about Clowney:
1. The basics
Cowboys
Name: Jadeveon Clowney
Position: Edge rusher
Height: 6-5 Weight: 266 pounds
NFL experience: 12 years
College: South Carolina
Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina
2. He was a No. 1 draft pick
NFL fans know how loaded the 2014 NFL draft class was. Playmakers like Mike Evans, Khalil Mack and Odell Beckham Jr. were part of that star-studded group. Locally, the Cowboys found a future Hall of Famer in offensive guard Zack Martin at No. 16.
Fifteen picks before Martin was drafted, Clowney went No. 1 overall to the Houston Texans. He was the first defensive end selected at No. 1 since 2006, when Houston took North Carolina State’s Mario Williams.
It was easy to see why Clowney was the first player selected. He starred at South Carolina, displaying game-changing athleticism while stifling some of the nation’s top collegiate offenses in the SEC.
3. He went viral before he entered the NFL
Clowney became a household name before entering the professional ranks. A highlight-worthy play can do that for a collegiate standout.
The pass rusher earned internet recognition during South Carolina’s Outback Bowl win over Michigan in 2013. With South Carolina trailing by one in the fourth quarter, Clowney helped his team bounce back after officials gave Michigan a controversial first down.
Michigan attempted a fake punt on fourth-and-4, setting a player up to run for the first down. Officials placed the football where the player went down and brought the chains out to see if Michigan picked up enough yardage to gain a new set of downs. It appeared the runner was short, but an official gave Michigan the first down to the dismay of South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier. Clowney took over on the ensuing first down.
Michigan running back Vincent Smith got the ball on the first down and only took a few steps before Clowney blew through the Wolverines’ offensive line and delivered what is now known as “The Hit.” Clowney’s hit dislodged the football from Smith’s hands and caused the running back’s helmet to fly into the air.
See the play below:
4. He’s well-traveled
Dallas will be Clowney’s seventh stop in the NFL. He started his career in Houston, playing five seasons for the Texans (2014-18). He went on to play for the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers.
Clowney has appeared in 140 games over the last 11 years, posting 409 total tackles, 139 quarterback hits, 108 tackles for loss and 58 sacks.
5. He’s familiar with Brian Schottenheimer
It shouldn’t take too long for Clowney to get familiar with his surroundings in Dallas. He can thank Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer for that.
Schottenheimer and Clowney last crossed paths in Seattle during the 2019 season. According to The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt, Schottenheimer and Clowney caught up during the pass rusher’s first Dallas visit. They also had a call after Clowney left the Cowboys’ facility.
“I respect him a lot,” Clowney said. “I’m going to play hard for the guy and just try to do my job for this team.”
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