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- Duration: 0:11
- Published: 2008-07-03
- Uploaded: 2010-10-08
- Author: GBFan21
Currentteam | Green Bay Packers |
---|---|
Currentnumber | 76 |
Currentpositionplain | Offensive tackle |
Birthdate | June 26, 1976 |
Birthplace | Martin, Tennessee |
Heightft | 6 |
Heightin | 5 |
Weight | 320 |
Debutyear | 2000 |
Debutteam | Green Bay Packers |
Highlights | |
College | Tennessee |
Draftyear | 2000 |
Draftround | 2 |
Draftpick | 44 |
Pastteams | |
Nfl | CLI075046 |
Halfway through his rookie season, he took over the starting left tackle position and did not relinquish it thereafter. He enjoyed continue success during his second season when he established a reputation as one of the NFL's best and unheralded blindside blockers.
Clifton's 2002 season seemed as promising as his first two until November 24 when he suffered a severe pelvic injury after receiving a hit from the Tampa Bay Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp. Because the incident occurred after an interception with Clifton far from the play, Sapp received harsh criticism for his action. After the game, Sapp was involved in a profanity-laced argument with Packers coach Mike Sherman that was caught on camera. As a result of the injury, Clifton missed the rest of the season. He was hospitalized for almost a week and could not walk unaided for five more weeks. In 2005, the NFL Competition Committee agreed on new guidelines for "unnecessary roughness", making hits such as that suffered by Clifton illegal.
Clifton returned in 2003 to start all 16 regular season games and two more in the playoffs. He played all 1,031 offensive snaps that season and contributed to establishing a team record for fewest sacks allowed in a season (19).
On January 23, 2008 it was announced that he would replace Seattle Seahawks tackle Walter Jones in the 2008 Pro Bowl. It was his first Pro Bowl. He went to Hawaii to the Bowl with team mates Donald Driver, Aaron Kampman, and Al Harris, as well as head coach Mike McCarthy. Brett Favre was scheduled to be in the Pro Bowl, but was replaced by Jeff Garcia.
On March 5th, 2010, the Packers resigned Clifton to a 3 year, $20 million dollar contract, with $7.5 million guaranteed.
Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:People from Weakley County, Tennessee Category:American football offensive tackles Category:Tennessee Volunteers football players Category:Green Bay Packers players Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players
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