“Just really, [it was important to get the losing streak] off of us, man, said Clowney, who logged his second multi-sack game in his last four outings. “It’s been a rough last few games. We needed to come out here and get a win.”
With just one game remaining in the 2025 regular season, an obvious question awaiting Clowney in the next couple of weeks, and beyond, will be regarding his future in the NFL and with the Cowboys. When posed the question following the victory over the Commanders, a still-smiling Clowney gave a definitive answer, in that he’s not calling it a career after 12 campaigns in the league.
He is, again, still having such a good time playing football.
“I’m just having fun out there with the guys, man,” said the three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro defensive end. “It’s been a great season. I had a lot of fun playing football, and that’s probably why I’m making a lot of plays — just having fun. I’m not thinking about making plays. I’m just thinking about having fun.”
Clowney, who turns 33 in February, feels as good as he’s ever felt, and it’s translating on the field. His ramp-up period with the Cowboys lasted a few weeks, and that was largely due to the fact he signed with Dallas in mid-September, having not participated in any team’s training camp in 2025, but that’s not something he’s interested in doing in 2026.
He wants to get his offseason program started as soon as possible with a team, and plans to be in training camp for that team — also noting he’d like to remain with the Cowboys, if they’ll have him.
“Everybody can’t do it — it’s a blessing for me to still be playing 12 years later,” said Clowney. “I thank God every day for that. … Next year, I just gotta get ready a little earlier, and stay ready. … Oh yeah, [I’d re-sign in Dallas] if they’re willing to bring me back, but, yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m definitely gonna play.
“I got a lot left in the tank. I ain’t gonna go sit on my couch. I’m gonna stay ready. Maybe sign a little bit earlier, and I’m trying to go to camp next year so I can get the rust off me and get going. I’m looking forward to it.”
With only one game remaining, and despite having not been in Oxnard, Clowney has become the best pass rusher and edge defender against the run in Dallas. That will not be forgotten when the offseason rolls around, and time will tell if the former first-overall pick can continue his elite play for a Cowboys’ team in need of his type of play and mentorship at the position.
If and when they call, he’ll answer, because, yes, he’s still having fun.
