With the NFL instituting looser restrictions on jersey numbers, it has resulted in quite a few unique changes.
Jadeveon Clowney has taken full advantage of those changes in 2023.
The Ravens edge rusher is in the midst of a sensational first year in Baltimore. Clowney signed a one-year deal with Baltimore in late August, giving John Harbaugh's team added depth on the defensive line.
The signing has been huge for Baltimore. After a few down years, Clowney has looked much like the ferocious threat he was when he was taken No. 1 overall in 2014 by the Texans. The 30-year-old leads the team in sacks, racking up 7.5 so far this season. It puts him in the top-25 in the NFL with four weeks remaining in the regular season.
Despite his impressive statistical output, fans may be left confused when watching Ravens games. Viewers will be disappointed if they are looking for Clowney;'s typical No. 90 wearing the purple and black. That's because Clowney elected to make a change to his jersey numbers this year, choosing instead to rock No. 24, a number not previously allowed for defensive lineman to wear.
MORE: Where Ravens rank in latest power rankings after Week 14
But what is the meaning behind No. 24 for Clowney?
Why is Jadeveon Clowney No. 24?
Clowney has been associated with the No. 90 for a majority of his career. After sporting No. 7 in college at South Carolina State, the defensive star went to with the higher number when he turned pro. Clowney has been either No. 90 or No. 99 every season before 2023.
So why did the No. 1 pick from the 2014 draft elect to go with different units with the Ravens? Clowney's answer is as simple as it gets.
"It was either that or 50," Clowney said before the season. "I ain't pick 50 because Justin Houston wore it last year here. I just picked 24 just to switch it up, I don't know. I just was like, 'Yeah, let me try 24.'"
When Clowney arrived in Baltimore, every number in the 90s was taken by other members of the roster. Among them is David Ojabo, who wears Clowney's typical No. 90.
With limited options, the edge rusher elected to take advantage of the relaxed number limitations put in place by the NFL, going with an obscure number for a player at his position. The number No. 24 had been worn most recently by another defensive star, Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters.
Maybe it's the strong supporting cast around him on defense, maybe it is the magic of the new numbers. Nonetheless, it has been a sensational first year in Baltimore for Clowney and his No. 24.
