Nate Clements life and biography

A resilient and physical defensive back, Nate Clements has provided an im­pactful presence in the 49ers secondary upon his signing in 2007. Clements, who routinely matches up against the best receivers in the NFL, prides him­self on being multi-dimensional when it comes to playing the cornerback position. He was sidelined with a fractured scapula for the final 9 weeks of the 2009 season. Clements is regarded as one of the surest tacklers in the game and has consistently shown an ability to force fumbles and intercept passes. His 14 FFs since 2004 rank 2nd among NFL CBs during that time span. A Pro Bowl selection in 2004, Clements ranks 7th among NFL CBs with 27 INTs since 2002.

Originally a 1st-round (21st pick overall) draft choice by Buf. in 2001… Signed by SF as an unrestricted free agent from Buf. on 3/2/07.

•Nate’s disciplined approach, humble manner and self-motivation stems from a strong figure in his life, his father. Nate Sr. made sure that his young, talented son was focused solely on school and football so that he could achieve his dream of attending Ohio State on a scholarship. Nate worked out at 6 a.m. before school started during his junior and senior years at Shaker Heights (OH) HS. He stayed up until midnight to finish his homework and study for the SATs after he finished football practice. Nate later became the first player inducted into his high school Hall of Fame and was an USA Today All-American at Ohio State. Nate Sr. has pushed him all the way, and still does today. After being voted to the Pro Bowl in the NFL, Nate Sr. told his son that while the All-Star game was an impressive achievement, maintaining consistency is how Nate would truly leave his mark in the league and even­tually earn the ultimate honor – Hall of Fame status.
•Nate has aspirations on the golf links following his NFL playing days. “After I’m done playing football, I want to turn pro in golf. If I dedicate my time in golf like I do in football, I can definitely make it.” Todd France, Clement’s agent, said his client is not far from being a scratch golfer. As for Nate’s own account of his game, “I have my days,” he said. “Really, I am a golfer. That is what I think I am going to be doing after football. I’ve been golfing since I was 12. I never really had a chance to pursue it hard because football was my first love. But, whenever I get a chance, I like to get out on the course.”
•Since arriving in SF, Nate has been one of the most active players in the community and has taken part in the majority of the “Community Tuesday” events organized by the team. “It’s definitely a personal experience for me, giving back each week. I go home with a good feeling knowing that I helped somebody who’s not in the position that I’m in. I know that I’m able, so I’m willing. It’s not always about giving money, it’s giving time. That’s what most people want, just a little bit of time.”

AWARDS & HONORS:

2001: Football News All-Rookie Team, Sports Illustrated NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
2002: AFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 7)
2004: AFC Pro Bowl
2007: Bill Walsh Award (Co-recipient with Patrick Willis)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

•A Pro Bowl selection in 2004, Clements ranks 7th among NFL CBs with 27 INTs since 2002.
•His 14 FFs since 2004 rank 2nd among NFL CBs during that time span.
•Has returned 5 INTs, 2 punts and 1 blocked FG attempt for TDs.
•His 6 INTs in 2002 tied him for 2nd in the AFC behind Oakland CB Rod Woodson (8).

2009 (San Francisco):
•Sidelined with a fractured scapula suffered at Ind. (11/1) for the final 9 weeks of 2009.
•Recorded his 30th career INT at Arz. (9/13) in the 1st qtr., while helping limit WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to 90 yds. rec.
•Set a career high with 5 PDs vs. Sea. (9/20), to go along with 8 tackles.
•Recovered K Ryan Longwell’s 44-yd. FG attempt, which was blocked by DT Ray McDonald and returned it 59 yds. for a TD at Min. (9/28). It marked his 2nd career blocked FG returned for a TD.
•Helped limit WR Andre Johnson to 62 yds. rec. on 2 recepts. at Hou. (10/25).

2008 (San Francisco):
•Posted 7 tackles and 1 FF at Sea. (9/14). His FF on WR Billy McCullen was recovered by S Michael Lewis as the Seahawks were driving deep into 49ers territory.
•Recorded first INT of season vs. NE (10/6) off QB Matt Cassel, picking off pass at 49ers 6-yd. line in 1st qtr.
•Scored 8th career TD when he returned a blocked FG attempt 74 yds. for a score at NYG (10/19). •Inactive vs. NYJ (12/7) with thumb injury, snapping a streak of 119 consecu­tive starts.

2007 (San Francisco):
•Started all 16 games for 6th consecutive season, ranking t-1st with 4 INTs. Also led team with 3 FFs and 18 PDs. Was co-winner of the coveted Bill Walsh Award along with LB Patrick Willis, given to team’s MVP as voted upon by coaches.
•In first career Monday Night Football appearance, helped limit WRs Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald to a combined 42 receiving yds., while also tal­lying 3 tackles and 2 PDs vs. Arz. (9/10).
•Recorded 9 tackles, 1 sack and 1 FF in win at StL (9/16). His FF on WR Torry Holt at 49ers 8-yd. line rolled out of the end zone to give the 49ers posses­sion.
•Posted first INT as a member of 49ers vs. Sea. (9/30) to go along with 3 PDs.
•Tied a career-high with 13 tackles in addition to notching 1 INT at Sea. (11/12).
•Tallied 10 tackles and 1 FF at Arz. (11/25) as he poked the ball away from WR Anquan Boldin in 2nd qtr. to set up a RB Frank Gore TD run.
•Finished with 8 tackles and 1 INT, which he returned for a career-long 62 yds. to set up a QB Shaun Hill TD pass vs. TB (12/23).
•Recorded first NFL FG block on a K Phil Dawson attempt in 3rd qtr. at Cle. (12/30).

2006 (Buffalo):
•Finished season with a career-high 22 PDs.
•Recovered a fumble in 4th qtr. to help Bills come back from 17-16 deficit at Ind. (11/12). Added 6 tackles and 3 PDs, while holding WR Marvin Harrison to 2 catches and 21 yds.
•Recorded an INT on first drive of game at Hou. (11/19), while posting 4 tackles, 3 PDs and 1 FR.
•Had a 58-yd. INT return for a TD in 2nd qtr. at NYJ (12/10), marking his 5th career INT return for a TD.

2005 (Buffalo):
•Held Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson to just 3 catches for 18 yds. as he tallied 7 tackles, 1 PD and 2 punt returns for 19 yds. vs. Hou. (9/11).
•Established a career-high 13 tackles in addition to posting 1 INT vs. NE (12/11).

2004 (Buffalo):
•Earned Pro Bowl honors after tying a career-high with 6 INTs, including 1 returned for a TD. Also had a career-long 86-yd. punt return for a TD and a career-high 5 FFs.
•Tallied 4 tackles, 2 PDs and a FF at Cin. (12/19), while holding WR Chad Johnson to 2 recepts. for 10 yds.
•Turned game around with an INT return for a TD vs. Pit. (1/2/05) to give Bills a 1-point lead in 3rd qtr. Added a season-high 10 tackles and 2 FFs.

2003 (Buffalo):
•Led team with 3 INTs for third time in as many seasons with Bills.
•Notched an INT in season opener vs. NE (9/7) after snagging a tipped pass from QB Tom Brady in back of end zone, getting both feet in for a touchback.
•Other 2 INTs came at Mia. (9/21), where he picked off QB Jay Fiedler on Miami’s opening drive and again in the 4th qtr. with a 54-yd. INT return for a TD.

2002 (Buffalo):
•Led team in INTs for second straight season with 6, tying him for 2nd in the AFC behind Oakland’s CB Rod Woodson (8).
•Earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after tying a Bills franchise record with 3 INTs, including 1 returned for a 29-yd. TD at Mia. (10/20).

2001 (Buffalo):
•Led team with 3 INTs, the most by a Bills rookie since Jeff Nixon’s 6 in 1979. Selected as NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year by Sports Illustrated’s Peter King. Also named to Football News’ All-Rookie Team.
•Led team in kickoff returns and took 1 of his 4 punt returns 66 yds. for a TD vs. Ind. (11/4).
•Recorded first NFL INT and returned it 48 yds. for first NFL TD in season opener at Ind. (9/23).
•Made first career start at Jac. (10/18) and had 2 PDs while holding WR Jim­my Smith to 49 receiving yds.
•Recorded first career FF in 1st qtr. on a WR Oronde Gadsden recept. vs. Mia. (11/25).
•Recorded first career sack vs. NE (12/16) to go along with 4 tackles.

COLLEGE

•Played in 36 games with 24 starts in 3 seasons at Ohio State before entering the draft after his junior campaign. Finished career with 177 tackles, 7 INTs and 22 PDs. Also gained 695 yds. on 58 punt returns (12.0 avg.) and a TD. Was a first-team All-Big Ten Conference choice in 2000.

PERSONAL

•Was a USA Today, Blue Chip Illustrated and Super Prep All-America selection at Shaker Heights (OH) HS, where he also was an all-state selection. Tallied 14 INTs throughout his high school career.
•During senior season, picked off 7 passes, returning one for a TD, and had 14 PDs. Also scored twice on kickoff returns and competed at quarterback, throwing 16 TD passes.
•Became first player inducted into high school’s Hall of Fame.
•Born Nathan D. Clements (12/12/79) in Shaker Heights, OH. Married to Me­lissa.
•Majored in general studies.

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