Each NFL team’s Olympic candidate

Houston Texans: Jadeveon Clowney, Short track speedskating

Speaking of incredible athletes at the outside linebacker position, Jadeveon Clowney almost certainly tops the list. He was an absolute monster at the University of South Carolina and has taken those talents to Houston, despite concerns about his work ethic. In just four seasons, Clowney is becoming a top pass rusher in the league and is as hard as they come to stop.

It hasn’t been a season to remember for the Texans by any means. There was light at the end of the tunnel with rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson but have been nothing since his ACL injury. Despite that, Clowney has put together his best season of his young career. He’s on pace to hit double-digit sacks and set career highs in just about every major category. That’s come without J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus but it doesn’t matter. It’s intriguing to see Clowney come into his own. Bill O’Brien and Mike Vrabel can be ecstatic about that.

So why does Clowney qualify as the Texans’ Olympic candidate? Well, let’s just let his size speak for itself. He’s 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds but can run a 4.5 40-yard dash. You won’t find many other players who can run that time at that size. Clowney has all the talent in the world and it’s showed this season. He absolutely pulverizes offensive lineman and makes even the biggest of blockers look silly. Having just one running back in the backfield isn’t going to help and it takes extra blockers just to keep Clowney away.

Clowney is one of those athletes that would fare well in a short speedskating event. He’s fast off the line and great in short bursts. That’s exactly what this event entails and it makes sense all around.