COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Cleveland Browns defensive end Jaydeveon Clowney will retire his college jersey on Sept. 3 in the season opener between Georgia and South Carolina.
The school announced the retirement of Clowney’s No. 7 on Friday.
“We are thrilled to honor one of the greatest Gamecock football players of all time,” said South Carolina Athletic Director Ray Tanner.
Rock Hill native Clowney was the country’s top recruit when he signed coach Steve Spurrier with the Gamecocks in 2011.
Clowney complied with his bill. He was named to his AP All-American twice, and in 2012 Ted as the nation’s best defensive end. Contributed to a record of 2 wins and 2 losses.
Clowney’s most memorable college moment was at the Outback Bowl after his sophomore season, when he tackled Michigan runner Vincent Hill in the backfield, took off Hill’s helmet, and threw himself at a fan who forced him to take off. It was when I got the bull back.
Clowney was selected first overall by the Houston Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft.
He is entering his ninth season as a professional and his second season with the Browns.
Clowney is the first football player to retire from the jersey since South Carolina receiver Sterling Sharpe was honored in 1987.
Other NFL Coverage: