Editing Nate Clements

{{Short description|American football player (born 1979)}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Nate Clements
| image       = Nate Clements.JPG
| caption     = Clements with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011
| number      = 22
| position    = [[Cornerback]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1979|12|12|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Shaker Heights, Ohio]], U.S.
| death_date  =
| death_place = 
| height_ft   = 6
| height_in   = 0
| weight_lbs  = 205
| high_school = [[Shaker Heights High School|Shaker Heights]]
| college     = [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State]] (1998–2000)
| draftyear   = 2001
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 21
| pastteams   =
* [[Buffalo Bills]] ({{NFL Year|2001}}–{{NFL Year|2006}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|2007}}–{{NFL Year|2010}})
* [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ({{NFL Year|2011}}–{{NFL Year|2012}})
| highlights  =
* [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2005 Pro Bowl|2004]])
* Third-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[2000 College Football All-America Team|2000]])
* First-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[2000 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2000]])
| statlabel1  = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
| statvalue1  = 812
| statlabel2  = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
| statvalue2  = 22
| statlabel3  = [[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
| statvalue3  = 8
| statlabel4  = [[Interceptions]]
| statvalue4  = 36
| statlabel5  = [[Return yards]]
| statvalue5  = 1,462
| statlabel6  = [[Touchdown|Total touchdowns]]
| statvalue6  = 9
| pfr         = C/ClemNa99
}}
'''Nathan D. Clements''' (born December 12, 1979) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[cornerback]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL).  He played [[college football]] for the [[Ohio State Buckeyes football|Ohio State Buckeyes]].  He was selected by the [[Buffalo Bills]] in the first round of the [[2001 NFL draft]] with the 21st overall pick, and also played for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and [[Cincinnati Bengals]].

==Early life==
Clements was born to Nathan Clements Sr. and Emma Clements in [[Shaker Heights, Ohio]] and graduated from [[Shaker Heights High School]].<ref name="OSU bio">{{cite web|title=Nate Clements|url=http://ohiostatebuckeyes.fansonly.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/clements_nate01.html|publisher=Ohio State Buckeyes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010602111857/http://ohiostatebuckeyes.fansonly.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/clements_nate01.html|archive-date=June 2, 2001}}</ref> Nate's father was strict and did not allow Nate to date while in high school.<ref  name="strong influence">{{cite news|author=Brown, Daniel|title=Parents provided strong influence for new 49er|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16830031.htm|work=San Jose Mercury News|date=March 3, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070306074913/http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16830031.htm|archive-date=March 6, 2007}}</ref> Clements excelled at both [[defensive back]] and [[quarterback]] and was named an [[All-American]] by ''[[USA Today]]'', ''Blue Chip Illustrated'' and ''Super Prep''.

Clements was also named first-team All-Ohio during a season in which he had seven [[interceptions]], including one returned for a [[touchdown]]. He also returned two kicks for touchdowns. Clements led the Raiders to a playoff berth in 1997 and led them past a Euclid Panther team that featured Notre Dame back [[Tony Fisher (American football)|Tony Fisher]]. Clements also holds the Shaker record for career interceptions with 14.<ref name="OSU bio"/> The school retired his number 20 jersey in 2005.

==College career==
Clements attended [[Ohio State University]]. Clements started 24 of 36 games and recorded 177 career tackles and seven interceptions.  As a junior, he intercepted four passes and racked up 470 yards returning punts, with an average of 13.1 yards per return. In 2000 he was an [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten Conference]] first-team choice. After his junior year Clements decided to forgo his senior season and declared himself eligible for the [[NFL draft]]. He majored in general studies.

==Professional career==
Clements declared for the [[2001 NFL draft]] and was regarded as one of the top prospects. Prior to his junior season, Clements was ranked as the second best cornerback in the upcoming draft by NFL draft analyst [[Mel Kiper Jr.]] and was also ranked as the 23rd overall prospect regardless of position by Mel Kiper Jr.<ref name="kiper">{{cite web |title=Top 25 Prospects for the 2001 NFL Draft |url=https://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2001/0326/1162392.html |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=August 22, 2000}}</ref> He attended the NFL Scouting Combine in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], but opted to only perform the bench press and 40-yard dash. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Clements was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the top cornerback prospect by DraftScout.com.<ref name="DraftScout">{{cite web |title=*Nate Clements, DS #1 CB, Ohio State |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=335&DraftYear=2001 |access-date=June 5, 2018| website=DraftScout.com}}</ref>
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 5
|    height in = 11 1/8
|       weight = 209
|         dash = 4.37
|        bench = 20
|         note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 2010 NFL Cornerbacks NFL Combine Results Compared To 2011 Top CB Prospects |url=http://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/03/top-2010-nfl-cornerbacks-nfl-combine-results-compared-to-2011-top-cb-prospects/ |access-date=June 5, 2011 |website=SteelersDepot.com|date=March 7, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="kiper"/><ref name="DraftScout" />
}}

===Buffalo Bills===
The [[Buffalo Bills]] selected Clements in the first round (21st overall) of the [[2001 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Clements was the first cornerback drafted in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bills Use 12 Picks To Fill Holes On Depth Chart |url=http://www.billsdaily.com/draft/2001/analysis.html |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=BillsDaily.com |author=Saslow, Steve |date=April 23, 2001}}</ref>

====2001====
On July 27, 2001, the Buffalo Bills signed Clements to a five-year, $6.70 million [[contract]] that includes $3.17 million guaranteed.<ref name="spotrac">{{cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Nate Clements contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/nate-clements-3370/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Former Ohio State Cornerback signs with Buffalo Bills |url=http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/073001aaa.html |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=ohiostatebuckeyes.com |date=July 30, 2001}}</ref>

Throughout training camp, Clements competed to be a starting cornerback against [[Lance Brown]], [[Ken Irvin]], and [[Jimmy Williams (cornerback, born 1979)|Jimmy Williams]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Time to make an impression |url=http://buffalonews.com/2001/08/25/time-to-make-an-impression/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=BuffaloNews.com |author=Wilson, Allen |date=August 26, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Feel-good football under the lights |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/Article/Feel-good-football-under-the-lights-104027224 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=247sports.com |date=June 30, 2001}}</ref> Head coach [[Gregg Williams]] named Clements the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind [[Antoine Winfield Sr.|Antoine Winfield]] and Ken Irvin.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Football Database: Buffalo Bills Roster (2001) |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/buffalo-bills/roster/2001 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=FootballDB.com}}</ref> He was also named the starting kick returner to begin his rookie season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: Nate Clements (2014) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClemNa99/gamelog/2001/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]/}}</ref>

He made his professional regular season debut in the [[2001 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills']] season-opener against the [[2001 New Orleans Saints|New Orleans Saints]] and recorded one solo tackle in their 24–6 loss. On September 23, 2001, Clements made one tackle, deflected a pass, and returned his first career interception for a touchdown during their 42–26 loss at the [[2001 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]]. He intercepted a pass by quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] and returned it for a 61-yard touchdown in the third quarter to mark the first score of his career.<ref name="49ers.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Nate-Clements/e9de3ddd-7b8d-4869-bd13-ba23a8f300aa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806012531/http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/nate-clements/e9de3ddd-7b8d-4869-bd13-ba23a8f300aa/ |archive-date=August 6, 2009 |title=San Francisco 49ers: Nate Clements}}</ref> On October 18, 2001, Clements earned his first career start after he surpassed Ken Irvin on the depth chart. He recorded three solo tackles and broke up a pass in the Bills' 13–10 win at the [[2001 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]] in Week 5. In Week 8, Clements collected three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and returned a punt for a 66-yard touchdown during the second quarter of a 30–24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: Week 8-2001: Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040buf.htm |access-date=June 5, 2018 | website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 14, he collected three combined tackles and made his first career sack on quarterback [[Tom Brady]] during a 12–9 loss at the [[2001 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots- November 11, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111110nwe.htm |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On December 23, 2001, Clements collected a season-high 11 solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by [[Michael Vick]] in the Bills' 33–30 loss at the [[2001 Atlanta Falcons|Atlanta Falcons]] in Week 15.<ref name="stats1">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2001) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2001 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He completed his rookie season in 2001 with 63 combined tackles (53 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, a sack, and a touchdown in 16 games and 11 starts. He also had 30 kick returns for 628-yards and four punt returns for 81-yards and a touchdown.<ref name="career">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/careerstats |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

====2002====
Defensive coordinator [[Jerry Gray]] chose to retain Clements and Antoine Winfield as the starting cornerbacks in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Football Database: Buffalo Bills Roster (2002) |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/buffalo-bills/roster/2002?sort=pos |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=footballdb.com}}</ref> On October 20, 2002, he recorded four solo tackles, four pass deflections, three interceptions, and a touchdown during a 20–13 victory at the [[2002 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins]] in Week 7. He intercepted three passes by quarterback [[Ray Lucas]] and returned an interception by Lucas for a 29-yard touchdown in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins - October 20, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200210200mia.htm |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 12, Clements collected a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) and broke up a pass in the Bills' 31–13 loss at the [[2002 New York Jets|New York Jets]]. On December 29, 2002, Clements had a season-high five pass deflections, nine combined tackles, and an interception during a 27–9 win against the [[2002 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]] in Week 17.<ref name="stats2">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2002) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2002 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Clements finished his second season with 65 combined tackles (52 solo), 13 pass deflections, a career-high six interceptions, and a touchdown 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/>

====2003====
Head coach [[Gregg Williams]] retained Clements and [[Antoine Winfield Sr.|Antoine Winfield]] as the starting cornerback tandem in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Football Database: Buffalo Bills Roster (2003) |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/buffalo-bills/roster/2003?sort=pos |access-date=June 5, 2018| website=footballdb.com}}</ref> On September 21, 2003, Clements recorded four solo tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions during a 17–7 loss at the [[2003 Miami Dolphins|Miami Dolphins]] in Week 3. He made both interceptions off pass attempts by [[Jay Fiedler]] and returned one for a 54-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins - September 21, 2003 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200309210mia.htm |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 5, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles and a pass deflection in the Bills' 22–16 victory against the [[2003 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2003) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2003 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished the [[2003 NFL season|2003 season]] with a total of 61 combined tackles (51 solo), four pass deflections, three interceptions, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/> He also returned 14 punts for 137 yards in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: Nate Clements (2003) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClemNa99/gamelog/2003/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2004====
The Buffalo Bills chose not to renew Gregg Williams after finishing with a 6–10 record and not qualifying for the playoffs for a third consecutive season. The Buffalo Bills' new head coach [[Mike Mularkey]] retained Clements as a starting cornerback to begin the season, along with newly acquired free agent [[Troy Vincent]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Football Database: Buffalo Bills roster (2004) |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/buffalo-bills/roster/2004?sort=pos |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=footballdb.com}}</ref> In Week 2, Clements collected a season-high seven solo tackles during a 13–10 loss at the [[2004 Oakland Raiders|Oakland Raiders]]. On October 31, 2004, he recorded a season-high nine combined tackles and was credited with half a tackle in a 38–14 victory against the [[2004 Arizona Cardinals|Arizona Cardinals]]. On November 21, 2004, Clements recorded five combined tackles, broke up a pass, and returned a punt for a touchdown for the first time in his career during a 37–17 victory against the [[2004 St. Louis Rams|St. Louis Rams]]. He returned a punt by [[Sean Landeta]] for an 85-yard touchdown in the third quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Buffalo Bills - November 21, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411210buf.htm |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=pro-football-referebcs.com}}</ref> In Week 17, he recorded five solo tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception by rookie quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]] for a 30-yard touchdown in the Bills' 29–24 loss to the [[2004 Pittsburgh Steelers|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. The touchdown extended his streak to four consecutive seasons with a [[Pick 6 (American football)|pick six]]. He completed the [[2005 NFL season|2004 season]] with 73 combined tackles (53 solo), seven pass deflections, a career-high six interceptions, a touchdown, and was credited with half a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/> Clements also had 35 punt returns for 327-yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pro Football Reference: Nate Clements (2004) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ClemNa99/gamelog/2004/ |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

On January 28, 2005, Clements was named as a late replacement to the [[2005 Pro Bowl]]. He replaced [[Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs']] cornerback [[Patrick Surtain]] who was himself replacing [[Baltimore Ravens|Baltimore Ravens']] [[Chris McAlister]]. Both players were unavailable to play due to injuries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nate Clements joins Pro Bowl |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/Article/Nate-Clements-Joins-Pro-Bowl-104170459 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=247sports.com |date=January 28, 2005}}</ref>

====2005====
Head coach Mike Mularkey retained Clements as a starting cornerback in 2005, along with Terrence McGee. On November 20, 2005, Clements collected a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) during a 48–10 loss at the [[2005 San Diego Chargers|San Diego Chargers]] in Week 11. In Week 14, he tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (nine solo), deflected a pass, and made an interception in the Bills' 35–7 loss to the [[2005 New England Patriots|New England Patriots]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2005) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2005 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He completed the [[2005 NFL season|2005 season]] with 99 combined tackles (78 solo), 13 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/>

====2006====
On January 13, 2006, Buffalo Bills' head coach [[Mike Mularkey]] unexpectedly resigned from his role after a 5–11 campaign in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mularkey resigns as Bills' head coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2289987 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |author=Pasquerelli, Len |date=January 13, 2006}}</ref>
On February 22, 2006, the Buffalo Bills' general manager [[Marv Levy]] announced that the Bills would apply their franchise tag to Clements for the 2006 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bills slap corner Clements with franchise tag |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2339805 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=February 22, 2006}}</ref> On May 7, 2006, Clements signed a one-year, $7.20 million tender to remain with the Buffalo Bills.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clements deal includes downside for Bills |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2435562 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |author=Pasquerelli, Len |date=May 6, 2006}}</ref> The Buffalo Bills' new head coach, [[Dick Jauron]], officially named Clements the No. 1 starting cornerback entering the regular season, alongside [[Terrence McGee]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2006 Team Report: Buffalo Bills |url=http://www.footballguys.com/06teamreport-buf.php |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=footballguys.com |date=September 3, 2006 |archive-date=June 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621043141/http://www.footballguys.com/06teamreport-buf.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On November 5, 2006, Clements collected a season-high nine combined tackles and deflected a pass during a 24–10 win against the [[2006 Green Bay Packers|Green Bay Packers]].<ref name="stats6"/> In Week 11, he made four combined tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and an interception during a 24–21 win at the [[2006 Houston Texans|Houston Texans]].<ref name="stats6"/> In Week 14, Clements collected five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned an interception for a 58-yard touchdown in the Bills' 31–13 win at the [[2006 New York Jets|New York Jets]] in Week 14.<ref name="stats6">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2006) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2006 |access-date=June 5, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished the season with 70 combined tackles (54 solo), a career-high 16 pass deflections, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/>

===San Francisco 49ers===
====2007====
On March 2, 2007, the [[San Francisco 49ers]] signed Clements to an eight-year, $80 million contract with $22 million guaranteed.<ref>[https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786253 49ers make Clements NFL's highest-paid defender ever]</ref> The contract made him the highest paid defensive player in league history in 2007.
[[File:Nate Clements on field pregame at Eagles at 49ers 10-12-08 1.JPG|thumb|upright|left|Clements on the field prior to a game against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] on October 12, 2008]]
Clements became part of a revamped secondary that finished 27th in passing yards the previous season. Head coach [[Mike Nolan]] officially named Clements the No. 1 starting cornerback to start the season, along with cornerback [[Walt Harris (cornerback)|Walt Harris]] and safeties [[Michael Lewis (safety)|Michael Lewis]] and [[Mark Roman]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart: 09/02/2007 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/17/SF |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}</ref>

In Week 2, Clements collected six solo tackles and sacked quarterback [[Marc Bulger]] in the 49ers' 17–16 win at the [[2007 St. Louis Rams|St. Louis Rams]].<ref name="stats7"/> On November 25, 2007, Clements collected a season-high ten combined tackles (eight solo) and a pass deflection during a 37–31 victory at the [[2007 Arizona Cardinals|Arizona Cardinals]] in Week 13.<ref name="stats7"/> On December 23, 2007, he recorded seven combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during a 21–19 victory against the [[2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref name="stats7">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2007) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2007 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Clements finished the season with 92 combined tackles (77 solo), 14 pass deflections, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a sack in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/>

====2008====
Defensive coordinator [[Greg Manusky]] retained Clements and Walt Harris as the starting cornerbacks in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart: 08/31/2008 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/29/SF |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> On September 14, 2008, Clements collected a season-high seven solo tackles and deflected a pass in a 33–30 win at the [[2008 Seattle Seahawks|Seattle Seahawks]] in Week 2.<ref name="stats8"/> On October 19, 2008, he recorded five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown during the 49ers' 29–17 loss to the [[2008 New York Giants|New York Giants]]. Clements recovered the ball and returned it 74-yards for a touchdown in the third quarter after linebacker [[Manny Lawson]] blocked a field goal attempt by Giants' kicker [[John Carney (American football)|John Carney]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers - October 19, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810190nyg.htm |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> On October 21, 2008, the San Francisco 49ers fired head coach Mike Nolan after they fell to a 2–5 record. Assistant head coach/linebackers coach [[Mike Singletary]] was named the interim head coach for the remaining ten games. In Week 13, he collected six solo tackles during a 10–3 win at his former team, the [[2008 Buffalo Bills|Buffalo Bills]].<ref name="stats8"/> During the game, Clements injured his thumb and was inactive for the 49ers' Week 14 victory against the [[2008 New York Jets|New York Jets]].<ref name="stats8"/> This became the first time in Clement's professional career that he was inactive. His injury ended his streaks of 119 consecutive game appearances and 115 consecutive starts.<ref>{{cite web |title=New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers Injury Report |url=http://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/17649-new-york-jets-san-francisco-49ers-injury-report/ |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=49erswebzone.com |date=December 5, 2008}}</ref> In Week 17, Clements tied his season-high of seven solo tackles and also deflected a pass in a 27–24 win at the [[2008 Washington Redskins|Washington Redskins]].<ref name="stats8">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2008) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2008 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Clements finished the [[2008 NFL season|2008 season]] with 63 combined tackles (56 solo), nine passes defensed, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref name="career"/>

====2009====
The San Francisco 49ers' new head coach, Mike Singletary, officially named Clements the No. 1 cornerback to start the 2009 regular season, opposite [[Tarell Brown]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart: 09/06/2009 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/40/SF |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> He started in the [[2009 San Francisco 49ers|San Francisco 49ers']] season-opener at the [[2009 Arizona Cardinals|Arizona Cardinals]] and five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception in their 20–16 victory. The following week, Clements made six combined tackles and a season-high four pass deflections during a 23–10 win against the [[2009 Seattle Seahawks|Seattle Seahawks]] in Week 2.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2009) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2009 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=nfl.com}}</ref> On September 27, 2009, Clements recorded four combined tackles and returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown in the 49ers' 27–24 loss at the [[2009 Minnesota Vikings|Minnesota Vikings]]. Clements recovered the ball and returned it for a 59-yard touchdown after it kicker [[Ryan Longwell|Ryan Longwell's]] attempt was blocked by [[Ray McDonald]] in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 3-2009: San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009092704/2009/REG3/49ers@vikings#tab=recap |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He joined [[Kevin Ross (American football)|Kevin Ross]] as the only players in NFL history return a blocked field goal for a touchdown on two separate occasions. On November 1, 2009, Clements suffered a right shoulder injury in the first quarter of a Week 8 loss at the [[2009 Indianapolis Colts|Indianapolis Colts]] and exited the game. He sustained the injury after he was tackled by [[Philip Wheeler]] and [[Jerraud Powers]] while returning a punt in the second quarter. Many media members called into question head coach Mike Singletary's decision to place Clements in the punt return role due to his substantial contract and importance in the secondary. Clements took over punt return duties from [[Arnaz Battle]] who had disappointing performances after replacing recently released [[Pro Bowl]] return specialist [[Allen Rossum]].<ref>{{cite web |title=49ers Hot Reads: Injury calls Clements' future into question |url=http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/2275944-181/49ers-hot-reads-injury-calls |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=pressdemocrat.com |author=Maiocco, Mike |date=November 2, 2009}}</ref> Former head coach Mike Nolan was asked upon Clements signing about the possibility of Clements returning punt and immediately rejected the idea stating, "Not even maybe." On November 3, 2009, it was reported that Clements sustained a broken right [[scapula]] to his right shoulder and was expected to miss the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Staley, Clements to miss several games |url=http://www.espn.in/nfl/news/story?id=4617575 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |date=November 2, 2009}}</ref> Head coach Mike Singletary elected to not place Clements on injured reserve for the rest of the season in hopes of a possible late season or playoff return. He finished the [[2009 NFL season|2009 season]] with 35 combined tackles (30 solo), seven passes defensed, and an interception in seven games and six starts.<ref name="career"/>

====2010====
Head coach Mike Singletary retained Clements as the 49ers' No. 1 starting cornerback to start the season, alongside [[Shawntae Spencer]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart: 09/05/2010 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/111/SF |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}</ref>
On September 26, 2010, Clements collected a season-high nine solo tackles in the 49ers' 31–10 loss at the [[2010 Kansas City Chiefs|Kansas City Chiefs]]. In Week 7, he collected a season-high tying nine combined tackles and a sack in a 23–20 loss at the [[2010 Carolina Panthers|Carolina Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Arizona Cardinals (2010) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2010 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> On December 27, 2010, the San Francisco 49ers fired head coach Mike Singletary after the team fell to a 5–10 record. He finished the season with 82 combined tackles (72 solo), ten pass deflections, three interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.<ref name="career"/>

====2011====
On July 28, 2011, the San Francisco 49ers released Clements.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Release Tracker|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/28/release-tracker/|work=[[Pro Football Talk]]|date=July 28, 2011|access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref>

===Cincinnati Bengals===
====2011====
On July 30, 2011, the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] signed Clements to a two-year, $10.5 million contract with $6 million guaranteed and a $2 million signing bonus.<ref name="spotrac"/>
{{clear}}
[[File:Nate Clements, Bengals training camp 2012.jpg|thumb|Clements in training camp, 2012]]

Head coach [[Marvin Lewis]] named Clements and [[Leon Hall]] the starting cornerbacks to start the 2011 regular season.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/04/2011 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/CIN |access-date=June 6, 2018 | website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> In Week 9, he collected a season-high seven solo tackles during a 24–10 win at the [[2011 Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Titans]]. On December 18, 2011, Clements tied his season-high of seven solo tackles and made a sack in the Bengals' 20–13 victory at the [[2011 St. Louis Rams|St. Louis Rams]].<ref name="stats11">{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2011) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2011 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> He finished the [[2012 NFL season|2012 season]] with 55 combined tackles (49 solo), 12 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 15 games and 15 starts.<ref name="career"/>

The [[2011 Cincinnati Bengals|Cincinnati Bengals]] finished third in the [[AFC North]] with a 9–7 record, but clinched a wildcard berth as the sixth seed in the NFC. On January 7, 2011, Clements started in his first career playoff game and recorded three solo tackles and a pass deflection in the Bengals' 31–10 loss at the [[2011 Houston Texans|Houston Texans]] in the AFC Wildcard Game.<ref name="stats11"/>

====2012====
Clements entered training camp slated as a starting cornerback, but saw competition from [[Terence Newman]], [[Jason Allen (American football)|Jason Allen]], [[Adam Jones (American football)|Adam "Pacman" Jones]], and [[Dre Kirkpatrick]]. Clements was one of six cornerbacks on the Bengals'  roster that were once heralded first round picks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart: 09/01/2012 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/135/CIN |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}</ref> Head coach Marvin Lewis officially named Clements and Hall the starting cornerbacks to begin 2012.

On September 23, 2012, Clements recorded a season-high ten combined tackles (five solo) during the Bengals' 38–31 win at the [[2012 Washington Redskins|Washington Redskins]]. Clements was inactive for the Bengals' Week 4 victory at the [[2012 Jacksonville Jaguars|Jacksonville Jaguars]] due to an injury.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Nate Clements (2012) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/nateclements/2504744/gamelogs?season=2012 |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Upon returning, Clements began to transition to strong safety after losing his starting cornerback job to Terence Newman during his absence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nate Clements Talks About Transition From Cornerback To Safety |url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/2012/10/10/3484296/nate-clements-talks-about-transition-from-cornerback-to-safety |access-date=June 6, 2018 |website=cincyjungle.com |date=October 10, 2012 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He started five of the next six games before losing the role back to [[Chris Crocker (American football)|Chris Crocker]]. He finished the season with 53 combined tackles (31 solo), five pass deflections, and an interception in 15 games and nine starts.<ref name="career"/>

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Tackles
! colspan="3"| Fumbles
! colspan="6"| Interceptions
|-
! Cmb !! Solo !! Ast !! Sck !! FF !! FR !! Yds !! Int !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! PD
|-
! [[2001 NFL season|2001]] || [[2001 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 63 || 53 || 10 || 1.0 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 48 || 16.0 || 48 || 1 || 13
|-
! [[2002 NFL season|2002]] || [[2002 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 65 || 52 || 13 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 6 || 82 || 13.6 || 42 || 1 || 19
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] || [[2003 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 62 || 51 || 11 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 54 || 18.0 || 54 || 1 || 7
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] || [[2004 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 73 || 53 || 20 || 0.5 || 5 || 1 || 0 || 6 || 77 || 12.8 || 35 || 1 || 13
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] || [[2005 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 99 || 78 || 21 || 0.0 || 3 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 13
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] || [[2006 Buffalo Bills season|BUF]]
| 16 || 72 || 56 || 16 || 0.0 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 3 || 80 || 26.6 || 58 || 1 || 19
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] || [[2007 San Francisco 49ers season|SF]]
| 16 || 92 || 77 || 15 || 1.0 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 74 || 18.5 || 62 || 0 || 14
|-
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] || [[2008 San Francisco 49ers season|SF]]
| 15 || 63 || 56 || 7 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 13 || 6.5 || 13 || 0 || 9
|-
! [[2009 NFL season|2009]] || [[2009 San Francisco 49ers season|SF]]
| 7 || 35 || 30 || 5 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 8 || 8.0 || 8 || 0 || 7
|-
! [[2010 NFL season|2010]] || [[2010 San Francisco 49ers season|SF]]
| 16 || 82 || 72 || 10 || 1.0 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 46 || 15.3 || 39 || 0 || 10
|-
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] || [[2011 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
| 15 || 55 || 49 || 6 || 1.0 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 5 || 2.5 || 7 || 0 || 12
|-
! [[2012 NFL season|2012]] || [[2012 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
| 15 || 53 || 31 || 22 || 0.0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 21 || 21.0 || 21 || 0 || 5
|-
! colspan="2"| Career<ref name=ESPN>{{cite web|title=Nate Clements Stats|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/2569/nate-clements|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|access-date=March 24, 2014}}</ref> || 180 || 814 || 658 || 156 || 4.5 || 23 || 6 || 0 || 36 || 508 || 14.1 || 62 || 5 || 141
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.49ers.com/team/roster_detail.php?PRKey=120&section=TE%20Roster San Francisco 49ers bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601095736/http://www.49ers.com/team/roster_detail.php?PRKey=120&section=TE%20Roster |date=June 1, 2007 }}
* {{Twitter}}

{{2001 NFL Draft}}
{{BillsFirstPick}}
{{Bills2001DraftPicks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Clements, Nate}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Shaker Heights, Ohio]]
[[Category:American football cornerbacks]]
[[Category:American football safeties]]
[[Category:American football return specialists]]
[[Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bills players]]
[[Category:San Francisco 49ers players]]
[[Category:Cincinnati Bengals players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]