To Clemson supporters, Jadeveon Clowney’s message is one of loyalty to South Carolina, not hatred!

**To Clemson Supporters, Jadeveon Clowney’s Message is One of Loyalty to South Carolina, Not Hatred!**

In the world of college football rivalries, few can match the intensity and passion of the South Carolina-Clemson matchup. The fierce competition between the Gamecocks and Tigers has led to some unforgettable moments, with Jadeveon Clowney at the heart of one of the most iconic plays in the rivalry’s history. However, as the former South Carolina star reflects on his legacy, his message to Clemson fans is clear: it’s about loyalty to his alma mater, not hatred.

Clowney, widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football history, played for South Carolina from 2011 to 2013. During his time in Columbia, he became a household name, earning All-American honors and leading the Gamecocks to multiple bowl appearances. Perhaps his most memorable moment came in 2012 when he delivered a crushing hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith during the Outback Bowl, a play that still echoes in the minds of college football fans across the nation.

But it was his performance in the South Carolina-Clemson rivalry games that truly solidified his place in Gamecock lore. In 2012, Clowney wreaked havoc on the Tigers’ offense, recording 4 sacks in a dominant win for South Carolina. This victory was a key part of a four-year streak where the Gamecocks defeated Clemson, a run that brought immense pride to South Carolina supporters. To many Gamecock fans, Clowney’s presence in these contests became symbolic of the team’s rise to prominence under head coach Steve Spurrier.

However, in recent years, as Clowney’s career transitioned from college to the NFL, some Clemson fans have interpreted his fierce rivalry performances as evidence of a deep animosity. The reality, according to Clowney himself, is that his motivation was never driven by hate, but by a deep loyalty to South Carolina and the desire to see his team succeed.

Clowney recently addressed this misconception in a heartfelt message aimed at both Gamecock and Tiger fans alike. “I’ve always respected the competition and what Clemson has done for college football. My time at South Carolina was about loyalty to my team, my fans, and my school,” Clowney explained. “It was never about disliking Clemson—it was about representing South Carolina and showing my team that we could compete with anyone.”

Clowney went on to emphasize that his rivalry with Clemson was part of what made college football so special. “Rivalries are about the passion of the game,” he said. “They bring out the best in us as players and fans. And for me, it was about doing my part to keep that rivalry alive, to make it meaningful.”

For Clemson supporters, Clowney’s message is a reminder that rivalries, while fierce, are built on mutual respect and the shared love of the game. As South Carolina’s most iconic defender continues his journey, both Gamecock and Tiger fans can appreciate that Clowney’s actions were always motivated by pride and loyalty to his school, not by hatred.