Clowney was drafted by the Houston Texans No. 1 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. He only played in four games his rookie season due to a knee injury and was forced to have surgery.

In 2015, Clowney played in 13 games and recorded 40 tackles, 4.5 sacks and six passes defended while being named to his first Pro Bowl in 2016 after registering 52 tackles and six sacks in 14 games.

He was named to the Pro Bowl once again in 2017 when he notched 59 tackles, 9.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries with one touchdown in 16 games.

In 2018, Clowney was named to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive season after recording 47 tackles, nine sacks and three fumble recoveries and one touchdown in 15 games. 

Known as one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL, Clowney would compliment an influx of young talent along the Redskins defensive line that touts fellow 1st-round selections Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.