‘It’s a Blessing’: Clemson Pro Excited to Be Back in DMV
By: Staff Report April 18, 2024

Clelin Ferrell grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and now the former Clemson star defensive end is back in the DMV after signing a free agent deal with the Washington Commanders last month.

After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Raiders, and then playing with the San Francisco 49ers last season, Ferrell’s new NFL home in Washington brings him closer to his family.

That’s something his family is certainly happy about, and Ferrell is excited to get going with his new organization as well.

“It’s a blessing. It feels good, but it still really hasn’t set in yet — probably for my family for sure though,” Ferrell said in a recent interview with Commanders on air talent and host Bryan Colbert Jr. on the team’s official YouTube channel.

“I’m the youngest of nine kids, so my mom, all my sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, they’re really like, ‘Oh, it’s time, we’re excited.’ But me, I’m kind of still in the work mode. I’m just trying to focus on everything, getting moved over, because I had a long trip over here. So, I’m excited. I’m excited. I can’t wait. I just want to get with the guys and get ready to go to work.”

A 2019 first-round pick of the Raiders (fourth overall), Ferrell started all 17 games he played in with San Francisco last season, tallying 28 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and one pass defended.

Ferrell, who has posted 133 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks over 75 career NFL games, completed his Clemson career (2015-18) with 166 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 27.0 sacks, 51 quarterback pressures, seven pass breakups and five caused fumbles across 44 games (all starts).

You can check out Ferrell’s full interview with Colbert Jr. below, where they discuss Ferrell’s excitement to be with the Commanders, dealing with expectations and much more.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!