Jadeveon Clowney recalls watching Aaron Rodgers when he was just a high school student in South Carolina. On Sunday, he'll finally get to play against the Green Bay Packers five-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
"I was like, 'That's a good quarterback,'" Clowney said Wednesday. "Now it's like I get to chase him around and ready to get after him so I'm looking forward to the challenge. It's going to be a challenge. It's not going to be easy."
The feeling is mutual.
Rodgers, who ranks first in NFL history with the best career passer rating (103.5), referred to Clowney as a "difference-maker" up front, a player that needed to be accounted throughout a game.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy described the 6-5, 270-pound Clowney as unique in his quickness and ability to pose as a threat from any direction.
"The fact of the matter is, even when you try to go away from him, he's very impactful," McCarthy said. "He's someone that has got everyone's attention here and he has very, very good video."
The Texans starting defensive end accepts the praise, but remains modest. He knows he's only just getting started.
"I'm just trying to get better," Clowney said. "I appreciate that but there's a lot more I can improve in my game, especially in the passing game. I find myself keep going continuing to get better. I'm young, having fun, and I'm going to get a lot better than I am."
Clowney is currently tied for fourth in the NFL with 12 tackles for loss. Through 11 starts, he has also recorded 41 tackles, 34 solo, 11 quarterback hits, three sacks, and one pass defensed.
The (6-5) Texans will travel to Lambeau Field to play the (5-6) Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CT on CBS and SportsRadio 610.
Check out some of the best shots from Wednesday's practice as the Texans prepare for the Packers on Sunday.
