Kellen Clemens, a quarterback known for his steady presence on the field, embarked on his professional football journey after a successful college career at the University of Oregon. Drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Clemens entered the league with expectations to develop into a reliable option under center. During his time with the Jets, Clemens served primarily as a backup, providing depth behind starting quarterbacks. His tenure with the team saw him stepping in when needed, including a notable stint in 2007 when he started eight games.
Clemens' career with the Jets was marked by his ability to manage games and provide a steady hand when called upon. However, with the arrival of new quarterbacks, his role diminished, leading to his release in 2011. After leaving the Jets, Clemens briefly joined the Washington Redskins, though his time there was short-lived. He soon found a new opportunity with the Houston Texans, where he was signed as a backup but did not see significant playing time.
In 2011, Clemens' career took a turn when he signed with the St. Louis Rams. It was with the Rams that he found more opportunities to showcase his skills, particularly during the 2013 season. When starting quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a season-ending injury, Clemens stepped in as the starter for the remainder of the season. During this period, he demonstrated his ability to lead the team, earning respect for his leadership and poise.
Clemens' performance with the Rams solidified his reputation as a dependable backup quarterback in the league. After his stint with the Rams, he signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2014. With the Chargers, Clemens continued to serve as a backup, providing veteran experience behind Philip Rivers. His role with the Chargers was primarily as a mentor and insurance policy, stepping in during preseason games and when the team needed a steady presence.
Throughout his career, Clemens was known for his professionalism and readiness to step into the starting role when required. His ability to adapt to different teams and systems made him a valuable asset in the quarterback room. Clemens' career spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams, including the New York Jets, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, and San Diego Chargers.
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