Joe Bowden facts for kids

Joe Bowden, born on February 25, 1970, is a former American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Joe played for teams like the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Dallas Cowboys. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. After his playing career, he became a football coach.

Early Life and College Football

Joe Bowden grew up in Mesquite, Texas. He went to North Mesquite High School. There, he was recognized as an All-American and an All-state player. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma.

College Career at Oklahoma

Joe did not play in his first year of college. This was because he did not meet the requirements of a rule called Proposition 48.

In 1990, during his junior year, Joe was a top player. He led his team with 116 tackles. He also had one interception and forced one fumble. As a senior, he was named an All-American. He made 127 tackles and had two sacks. He also caught two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns. Joe finished his college career with 286 tackles. He also had three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Professional Football Career

Joe Bowden was chosen by the Houston Oilers in the 1992 NFL Draft. He was the 133rd player picked overall.

Playing for the Oilers and Titans

As a rookie in 1992, Joe played in 14 games. He mostly played on special teams, making nine tackles. In 1993, he started six games as a right linebacker. He had 28 tackles and one sack.

In 1995, Joe became a regular starter. He started 14 games as a right linebacker. He made 51 tackles and led the team with four forced fumbles. In 1996, he started all 16 games as a left linebacker. He recorded 73 tackles and three sacks.

In 1997, Joe started all 16 games again. He had 84 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He also had one interception. In the last game of the season, he broke his left fibula, which is a bone in the lower leg.

In 1998, Joe became the starting middle linebacker. He had a great season, leading the team with 145 tackles. He also had one interception. In 1999, he moved back to left linebacker. He started 15 games and had 81 tackles. He also forced three fumbles and had one interception.

After the 1999 season, Joe was not re-signed by the team. He had started 84 of 123 games for the Oilers/Titans. He made 521 tackles during his time there.

Time with the Dallas Cowboys

In 2000, Joe signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in all 16 games as a backup linebacker. He made 46 tackles. In 2001, he was released by the Cowboys. Throughout his NFL career, Joe only missed five games out of 139.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Joe Bowden began a career in coaching.

Early Coaching Roles

From 2006 to 2008, Joe was the secondary coach for the Central Oklahoma Bronchos. He also coached at high schools in Oklahoma City. He coached at Mount St. Mary High School in 2011. In 2012, he coached at Edmond Santa Fe High School.

NFL and College Coaching

In 2012, Joe was hired by the St. Louis Rams as an assistant linebackers coach. He worked with Jeff Fisher, who was his head coach when he played for the Titans. In 2016, he briefly became an assistant special teams coach.

Later in 2016, Joe joined the San Francisco 49ers. He became the inside linebackers coach. In 2017, he was hired by Missouri Baptist University. There, he worked as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

From 2021 to 2024, Joe was the assistant head coach and linebackers coach for the Tennessee State Tigers. In 2025, he became the linebackers coach for Bowling Green State University.

Personal Life

Joe Bowden is married to Malika. They have two daughters named Sydney and Cheyenne. Joe also has a son, Jaylon, who plays football like his father.