Ravens vs. Texans: Jadeveon Clowney's 'Only Goal'

Jadeveon Clowney has a modest, yet admirable, goal for for his first year in a Baltimore Ravens uniform.

Jadevenon Clowney has created enough of a buzz with one number. But he's got another in mind.

The newly minted Baltimore Raven has a modest yet attainable goal for the upcoming season, as a report from the team's official site detailed his ambitions for his first season in purple. 

"My goal is to play 17 games this year. That's the only goal I'm shooting for," Clowney said, per team reporter Clifton Brown. "I'm going to put my pads on and show up and play every game, week in and week out."

Even if that goal sounds like small potatoes, it'd be a landmark for Clowney: the top pick of the 2014 draft has undeniably established a solid professional career but has been routinely struck down by injuries. That unfortunate trend began in his very first NFL game, as he sustained a torn meniscus in his debut with the Houston Texans nine seasons ago.

Since a knee injury cost him half of the 2020 season with Tennessee, Clowney has been a bit more medically fortunate, appearing in 26 games over the last two years as a Cleveland Brown. He last played a full season in 2017, his penultimate campaign with the Texans. 

"I got hurt my first game of my career. I had one of the worst injuries you could have," Clowney said, reflecting upon his medical journey. "I battled back nine years straight, and it's been a ride. I'm telling you all, nobody knows how much pain I've been in or what I've been through, but I do and my family.

"I'm just trying to win on the backend right now and keep playing at a high level. I have a lot left in me. I just want to keep showing that."

Clowney did not appear in any of the Ravens' preseason games, setting the stage for an ironic purple debut. With the exhibition slate completed, Baltimore is set to open the 2023 season on Sept. 10 against Clowney's original NFL employers from Houston at 1 p.m. ET.

---

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast

Follow Raven Country on Twitter and Facebook

Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?