Nate Clements

Nate Clements

Clements in the 2011 NFL season.
No. 22     Cincinnati Bengals
Cornerback
Personal information
Date of birth: December 12, 1979 (1979-12-12) (age 31)
Place of birth: Shaker Heights, Ohio
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	Weight: 209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
College: Ohio State
NFL Draft: 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21
Debuted in 2001 for the Buffalo Bills
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2001–2006) San Francisco 49ers (2007–2010) Cincinnati Bengals (2011–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowl selection (2004)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 14, 2009
Tackles	622
Sacks	2.5
INTs	30
Forced fumbles	17
TDs	5
Stats at NFL.com

Nathan D. Clements (born December 12, 1979 in Shaker Heights, Ohio) is an American football cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills 21st overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.

He has also played for the San Francisco 49ers.

Early years

Clements went to Mercer Elementary school and graduated at Shaker Heights High School. Clements excelled at both defensive back and quarterback and was named an All-American by USA Today, Blue Chip Illustrated and Super Prep.

Clements was also named first team All-Ohio during a season in which he had seven interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns. Clements led the Raiders to a playoff berth in 1997 and led them past a Euclid Panther team that featured Notre Dame back Tony Fisher. Clements also holds the Shaker record for career interceptions with 14. The school retired his number 20 jersey in 2005.

College career

Clements attended Ohio State University. Clements started 24 of 36 games and recorded 177 career tackles and seven interceptions. As a junior, he intercepted four passes and racked up 470 yards returning punts, with an average of 13.1 yards per return. In 2000 He was an All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice. After his junior year Clements decided to forego his senior season and declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft. He majored in general studies.

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

Clements was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 21st pick of the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Clements played for the Bills from 2001 to 2006 and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2004.

Nate recorded his first career interception and touchdown against Peyton Manning and the Colts on 9/23/2001.^[1]

In 2002, Clements set a career high with 6 interceptions, including 3 against Miami in Week 7, one of which was returned for a TD. Clements was named Defensive Player of the Week.^[2]

Clements earned his first Pro-Bowl trip in 2004, after tying his career high in Ints with 6.^[3]

He finished his career with the team starting 91 of 96 games, recording 432 tackles, 13 forced fumbles and 23 interceptions.

San Francisco 49ers

Clements on the field prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 12, 2008

On March 2, 2007 Clements became the highest paid defensive player in NFL history after signing an eight-year, $80 million with $22 million guaranteed deal with the San Francisco 49ers.^[4] The contract has since been topped by Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with $41 million guaranteed with the Washington Redskins on February 27, 2009.^[5] Clement's streak of playing in 119 straight games was snapped in 2008, when he was inactive against the New York Jets.^[6] On September 27, 2009, Clements joined Kevin Ross as the only players in NFL history to return a blocked field goal for a touchdown twice. On November 1, 2009, Clements suffered a right shoulder injury against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter and forced to leave the game. Reports indicate that he suffered a fractured right scapula. He was placed on the IR and missed the remainder of the 2009 season.

He was released on July 28, 2011.^[7]

Cincinnati Bengals

Clements signed a 2-year contract worth $10.5 million and $6 million guaranteed with the Cincinnati Bengals on July 30, 2011.

References

1. ^ http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Nate-Clements/e9de3ddd-7b8d-4869-bd13-ba23a8f300aa
2. ^ http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Nate-Clements/e9de3ddd-7b8d-4869-bd13-ba23a8f300aa
3. ^ http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Nate-Clements/e9de3ddd-7b8d-4869-bd13-ba23a8f300aa
4. ^ 49ers make Clements NFL's highest-paid defender ever
5. ^ Haynesworth's choice: Redskins
6. ^ http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Nate-Clements/e9de3ddd-7b8d-4869-bd13-ba23a8f300aa
7. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg. "Release Tracker". Pro Football Talk. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/28/release-tracker/. Retrieved 29 July 2011. 

External links

• Clements's official website
• San Francisco 49ers bio
• Nate Clements at ESPN.com
• Nate Clements on Twitter