After eight years in the NFL, football fans have a solid idea of who Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is: a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher who wears a uniform in the 90s and can provide an occasional game-breaking play.
Two of those things remain true.
Clowney, who signed with Baltimore on Friday following two years with the Browns, is now wearing No. 24. Even more unusually, the Ravens tweeted a video of Clowney at camp running routes as if he were a wide receiver—despite the fact he has yet to register a catch in the professional ranks.
The odd video drew a wide variety of commentary from fans and writers alike.
First practice as a Raven for @clownejd ‼️ pic.twitter.com/kFbkGKomnB
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 19, 2023
ESPN’s Field Yates joked that Clowney might now be eligible as a wide receiver in fantasy football.
I’ve got him as a low-end WR3 in my latest rankings
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 19, 2023
Smooth route runner and impossible to bring down after the catch https://t.co/11oCUS2RN8
Some wondered, in humorous fashion, whether Clowney would play a position more traditionally in line with his number.
Jadeveon Clowney when Mike Macdonald tells him to go line up one on one with Ja’Marr Chase week 2 pic.twitter.com/SUXjOopFl3
— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) August 19, 2023
Running routes 🤔 he a TE now ? https://t.co/aLv4A6Hz2v
— Trell Savage (@KingTrell_Sav) August 19, 2023
Jokes flew surrounding Baltimore’s past futility at the wide receiver position.
Ravens really running out of options at reciever https://t.co/gz21VxCBw0
— Joesph Ossai Fan Club (@jack_grube) August 19, 2023
There was broad agreement, however, on one count: between Clowney and Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater—who is now wearing No. 50—the continued breakdown of NFL numbering orthodoxy has created a brave new world.
Linebacker wearing 24 running slants and a QB wearing 50 uno finished league https://t.co/i5uHEillc1
— Sheikh Parker (@188parker) August 19, 2023
