Eagles rookie Makai Lemon on training camp, transition to NFL
WR Makai Lemon, the Eagles’ first-round pick, on his transition to the NFL and his first training camp.
Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is returning to where it all started. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report that Clowney is signing with the Houston Texans after an eight-year hiatus from the organization.
Clowney, 33, has spent the last eight years constantly swapping teams, spending time with the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and, most recently, the Dallas Cowboys.
A three-time Pro Bowler with Houston (2016, 2017, 2018), Clowney showed that he still has some solid pass rushing left in the tank by earning 8.5 sacks last year with Dallas across just 13 games (six starts). He now joins a loaded Texans’ defense, featuring superstars such as Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter on their defensive line already. Clowney will likely work in as a rotational piece poised to provide pressure on opposing offensive lines while being able to give Anderson and/or Hunter some rest.
Why did Clowney go back to Houston?
Jadeveon Clowney told The Houston Chronicle that he had the opportunity to sign with a different team for more money and a guaranteed starting role, but chose to go back to Houston for a variety of reasons.
“I’ve grown up,” says Clowney. “I feel like I can help the younger guys. I’ve learned how to lead and what it takes to get to a Super Bowl. I feel like I can help this team.”
Clowney also stressed that his decision to return to the Texans was a family decision. Clowney has lived in Houston for the past 12 years, and The Houston Chronicle claims that after speaking with his family, Clowney decided that “Houston made the most sense, even though his first stint with the team did not end on the best terms.”
Clowney’s stats with Texans
Clowney spent his first five seasons with the Texans, recording 29 sacks and 205 total tackles with the team. He was named a Pro Bowler three times and earned Second Team All-Pro honors in 2016 before being traded to Seattle in 2019.