Jadeveon Clowney
A physically transcendent defensive end whose explosive college highlight reel promised and delivered a long, disruptive career in the NFL trenches.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American football player·Birthday: February 14·Millennials
Biography
Jadeveon Clowney arrived in the football consciousness not with a whisper, but with a seismic hit. While at the University of South Carolina, his tackle in the 2013 Outback Bowl—where he seemingly decapitated a Michigan running back, forcing a fumble he recovered—became an instant legend, embodying his rare blend of size, speed, and violence. Drafted first overall by the Houston Texans in 2014, expectations were sky-high. While his sack numbers sometimes fluctuated, his impact was never in doubt; he was a havoc-wreaking force against the run and a constant, disruptive presence requiring double teams. Earning three consecutive Pro Bowl nods in Houston, he later became a valued mercenary for contenders like Seattle, Tennessee, and Baltimore, his skill set aging into that of a savvy, powerful veteran who could change a game's momentum with one play.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jadeveon was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jadeveon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jadeveon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft.
- Earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2016 to 2018.
- Named a First-team All-Pro in 2016 and a Second-team All-Pro in 2017.
- Won the Ted Hendricks Award in 2012 as the nation's top collegiate defensive end.
Did You Know?
He was also a standout basketball player in high school in South Carolina.
He famously ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine at 266 pounds.
He scored a defensive touchdown in three consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2019.
“I just love hitting the quarterback. That's my favorite thing to do.”
