South Carolina Football: Ranking the highest-paid NFL Gamecocks of all-time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 4 NFL Career Earner:
Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney was the #1-rated high school recruit in the country and became the #1-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Because of that selection, Clowney got a head start on making significant money as a pro. His best years came playing alongside fellow Gamecock 1st rounder Johnathan Joseph with the Houston Texans.
Clowney has dealt with a considerable amount of injuries in his career, and he is a free agent currently but is expected to sign a contract before the 2023 season begins.
Because of Clowney’s injury issues as a pro, his earning potential took a huge hit. As a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in the early years of his career, it appeared that his time in the NFL would look like everything it was hyped up to be, but issues with his knees have kept him from playing a complete season in years.
Even with Clowney missing so much time in his career, his natural ability has been a very enticing commodity to NFL general managers, and his contract details mirror that reality. He has made $80.5 Million in his career even before adding whatever dollar amount he will make this offseason.
Another contract could move Clowney up a bit on this list as he trails Joseph by about $5 Million in career earnings.