Joe Bowden facts for kids

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

Growing Up and College Football

Joe Bowden went to North Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas. He was a fantastic player there, earning All-American and All-state honors. He got a scholarship to play football at the University of Oklahoma.

However, he couldn't play his first year. This was because of something called Proposition 48. It meant he didn't meet certain academic rules for college athletes.

In 1990, as a junior, Joe led his team in tackles with 116. He also made one interception and forced one fumble. As a senior, he earned All-American honors. He had 127 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. Both of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns. Joe finished his college career with 286 tackles.

Playing in the NFL

Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans

The Houston Oilers picked Joe Bowden in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL draft. He was the 133rd player chosen overall. In his first year, he played in 14 games. He mostly played on special teams, making nine tackles.

In 1993, Joe started six games as a linebacker. He stepped in when another player was injured. He recorded 28 tackles and one sack that season.

In 1994, Joe missed the first two games due to an injury. He started one game at left linebacker. He made 13 tackles and forced one fumble.

The 1995 was a big year for Joe. He started 14 games at right linebacker. He made 51 tackles and led the team with four forced fumbles.

In 1996, Joe started all 16 games at left linebacker. He had 73 tackles and three sacks.

During the 1997, Joe started all 16 games again. He was second on the team with 84 tackles. In the last game of the season, he broke his left leg.

For the 1998, Joe became the starting middle linebacker. He led the team with an impressive 145 tackles. He also had 1.5 sacks and one interception.

In 1999, Joe moved back to left linebacker. This was during the team's run to the Super Bowl XXXIV. He started 15 games, making 81 tackles and 3.5 sacks. 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 regular-season games. He missed only five games during his time with the Oilers/Titans.

Dallas Cowboys

On May 3, 2000, Joe Bowden signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He joined the team to add depth to their linebacker position. He played in all 16 games as a backup. He made 46 tackles and two special teams tackles.

Joe was released by the Cowboys on April 20, 2001. This was after he failed a physical exam. Throughout his NFL career, he played in 139 games and only missed five.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Joe Bowden started coaching football. From 2008 to 2011, he coached at high schools in Oklahoma City. These included Mount St. Mary High School and Edmond Santa Fe High School.

In 2006, Joe was hired as the secondary coach for the Central Oklahoma Bronchos. He stayed in this role until 2008.

In 2012, Joe joined the St. Louis Rams as an assistant linebackers coach. He worked again with Jeff Fisher, who had been his head coach with the Titans. He left the Rams in March 2016 for a higher coaching position.

On March 17, 2016, Joe Bowden was hired by the San Francisco 49ers. He became the inside linebackers coach.

In 2017, he was hired as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for Missouri Baptist University. He is currently an assistant head coach and linebackers coach for the Tennessee State Tigers.

Personal Life

In 1998, Joe Bowden married Malika Welch. They have two daughters named Sydney and Cheyenne. Joe also has a son, Jaylon, who plays football and is following in his father's footsteps.