NFL football star Jadeveon Clowney has finally taken the bold decision to sign with his hometown team, the Carolina Panthers, marking a significant chapter in his career.
Clowney once stated during a news conference that he aspired to play for the Panthers, having grown up watching them on television.
Choosing not to rush the decision to sign with the Panthers in past years, Clowney opted for a gradual progression in his professional life.
He was keen to ensure his maturity could stand up to the pressures and expectations of his home club.
Now at 31, and holding a decade’s worth of experience in his grasp, he firmly believes it’s the right time to return home.
“I used to just watch them on TV all the time and say I can’t wait till I get my opportunity to do that one day,” Clowney said during Friday’s introductory news conference, per the team website. “Years ago, when I hit free agency, I told my agent not to reach out to Carolina because I wanted to mature more. And to get to this point where I know if I have to go back there, I can handle myself, and it won’t be a problem for me to do my job because I was still learning how to be a pro.
“So now I’m 31. I said I’m at the age now where I’m cool going back home; I can handle myself.”
ICYMI: LB Jadeveon Clowney "wanted to mature more" before going back home to Panthershttps://t.co/iy0om1R5iK pic.twitter.com/UwpzxgFnpb
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 31, 2024
Having grown up in the Carolinas, Clowney’s career took flight when he played for the Gamecocks in college.
A three-season run from 2011-13 at South Carolina led straight to the 2014 NFL Draft, where he was the No. 1 overall pick. It was here his journey with the Houston Texans began.
Despite enduring a series of injuries and disagreements with coaching staff, he still proved a valuable asset to the team, clocking up three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2016-18.
His NFL journey would take him far from home to play for the Seahawks, Titans, Browns, and Ravens, only to return to the Panthers, stronger and more mature.
He has consistently managed to produce four different seasons of nine-plus sacks, matching his career high with 9.5 for Baltimore last year.
