Jadeveon Clowney is more than just a one-hit wonder. But he’s come to learn, now over a decade later, that his greatest hit is absolutely timeless.
While the ink was drying on his new two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, the 31-year-old outside linebacker spoke with local reporters through a Zoom call on Friday afternoon. Jeff Hawkins of The Charlotte Post would ask Clowney if he’s gotten tired of watching his legendary hit from the 2013 Outback Bowl.
“Somewhat,” he replied after letting out a laugh. “I don’t really watch it, but people stop me and tell me about it. ‘You had one of the greatest hits.’ And I’m like, ‘Man, that was so long ago, that’s so old.'”
It’s 11 years old, to be exact. And in case you forgot, it looked a little something like this . . .
On this date in 2013, Jadeveon Clowney rocked the Outback Bowl with a hit for the ages. pic.twitter.com/O3bApo59ft
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2018
University of Michigan running back Vincent Smith was on the receiving end of the famous tackle, which led to a fumble recovery by Clowney himself. The takeaway helped push the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to a 33-28 win.
Clowney’s play, which would become known as “The Hit,” quickly established itself in college football lore. It even earned the eventual No. 1 overall pick an ESPY Award for “Best Play” later that summer.
But if you run into Clowney out in the streets of downtown Charlotte, maybe it’s best you come with some different material.
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