Pat McAfee to Jadeveon Clowney: Don't Mess with Andrew Luck

Last week, we mentioned how Texans rookie defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney said his goal in the NFL is to sack Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.  Said Clowney:

"My goal in the NFL is to sack Andrew Luck. He's in my division, [we play] him two times a year, he's a dangerous quarterback, he makes good decisions with the ball, so I just want to get after him and sack him one time."

While the Colts hope that their offensive line will be able to protect Luck, that's not always a given with the team.  But another Colt has stepped up and publicly declared his protection for Luck and warned Clowney about coming after the team's franchise player.  That person is punter Pat McAfee.

Appearing on NFL Total Access on NFL Network during a segment titled "Standing Pat," McAfee had some words to say to Clowney:

"Well hello Mr. Clowney...  Here's the deal: you ran a 4.5 40, you're an absolute physical freak. You're going to be taking on our offensive line. But if you ever think about coming on fourth downs, please don't hurt me. I mean, please do not hurt me. You're an absolute monster.

"But if you want to mess with our quarterback - I think you need to watch a little tape here before you come mess with my guy, my teammate, my compadre, No. 12 Andrew Luck.  [At this point, the highlight video of McAfee's tackle of Broncos return man Trindon Holliday played] You see, this is what I would do, I would close my eyes and run as fast as I can.  If we just so happen to bump into each other, hopefully you won't kill me and hopefully that will happen right there [referring to the video of the hit]... But if you just so happen to disrespect Andrew Luck, my guy, my showermate, I will run with my eyes fully closed right at you.  Just like Shawne Merriman it will be lights out...

"Mr Clowney, I understand your expectations and goals are to tackle Andrew Luck. That would be my goal, too. But if you disrespect him, that is a little piece of what you could have coming for you buddy [referring to the video of his tackle on Holliday].  Good luck in Houston; we'll see you twice a year."

Of course, if you didn't catch it, this was all said in a joking manner.  Pat McAfee is not planning on actually taking on Jadeveon Clowney, and it's a good thing too.  McAfee is a tremendous guy with the media and a genuinely funny dude, so this was nothing out of the ordinary for him.  It's a funny way for McAfee to pledge his support to his team's franchise quarterback, draw some laughs, and show the highlight reel of his hit on Holliday that send Lucas Oil Stadium into a frenzy.

In keeping with the spirit of McAfee's message to Clowney, I think that the Texans's first overall pick should be careful when he takes the field against the Colts, or else he might find himself the victim of a highlight play like Trindon Holliday was last year.  Of course, that'd be fine with me.