'Don't Take This Opportunity For Granted!' Ravens LB Clowney Knows His Role

Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney joined the Ravens as a free agent back in August before the season began, in what - at the time - was considered by many to be a signing to add depth to the defensive front. Not many thought Clowney - who was on his fifth team since joining the league - had much left in the tank to offer a possible contender.

Linebacker Jadeveon Clowney joined the Ravens as a free agent back in August before the season began, in what - at the time - was considered by many to be a signing to add depth to the defensive front. Not many thought Clowney - who was on his fifth team since joining the league - had much left in the tank to offer a possible contender.

But that's been far from the case, as Clowney has contributed.

The former first-overall draft pick from 2014 has registered 1.5 sacks (tied for second on the team), five quarterback hits and eight total tackles this season while providing an emotional boost to the locker room. The stats sheet doesn't tell the whole story, and the team knows his value is increasing with each passing week. 

Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney via FanStreamSports.com

The South Carolina product leads the Ravens in pressures with 13 and win rate percentage at 15.5. 

"When I first came here to visit, I got the feeling that I was joining a team that could really go places," Clowney said. "I'm sticking to my original goal – to play all 17 games. If I do that, I think my play will take care of itself.

"This is my fifth team and I've told the guys here – don't take this opportunity for granted," Clowney added. "We've got the pieces to do something special. I really believe that. We just have to keep working every day for the long haul and see if we can extend this thing into February, you know what I mean?"

If Clowney continues his trend in Baltimore, he might have found a new home to end his career. Hopefully a long time from now.