Byron Cowart

BIOGRAPHY

Byron Cowart, born on May 20, 1996, has become a household name in the world of American professional football as a commanding defensive end, most recently for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).

Born and raised in Florida, Byron’s journey to the NFL was no easy feat. He was regarded as the number one overall recruit entering college in 2015, a grand commendation notably bestowed by heavyweights ESPN and Rivals. He kicked off his college football career at Auburn, having caught the attention of several standout colleges due to his impressive high school performance.

However, his promising start at Auburn brought unforeseen challenges. His first two seasons were particularly trying as he found dissecting playing time to be an uphill battle. After taking part in only the team’s first two games of the 2017 season, Byron made the life-altering decision to leave Auburn. He returned to his home state of Florida and took his talents to Hillsborough Community College (HCC).

His stint at HCC was short-lived, though, because by December same year, he announced another major transfer to Maryland. This move would see him play the 2018 season on their turf.

Byron’s hard work and dedication during his college football career paid off in a remarkable way when the New England Patriots drafted him in the fifth round (159th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. Although he only participated in five games during his rookie year, the resilient athlete made his name known in the league.

However, the glories of his rookie year were cut short when the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic saw him placed by the team on the reserve/COVID-19 list on October 12, 2020. He was activated a few days later, on October 21. Byron bounced back in Week 14 of the 2020 season where, during a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, he successfully recorded his first career sack on Jared Goff, despite the Patriots losing 24–3.

The 2021 season kicked off differently for Byron as he was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Unfortunately, on July 22, 2022, he was waived by the Patriots. This, however, opened the door for his signing by the Indianapolis Colts a day later on July 23.

After a brief tenure with the Colts, Byron was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on March 24, 2023. The Chiefs released him on May 10, 2023. Within a week, Byron was starting yet another chapter with the Houston Texans, only to be released again at the end of August.

His rollercoaster journey persisted, and he was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins on September 19, 2023. Despite a solid season, he was not accorded a reserve/future contract, making him a free agent upon the expiration of his practice squad contract.

March 18, 2024, marked a new beginning for Byron when he signed with the Chicago Bears. He was released in late August, but fortunately, was promptly re-signed to the practice squad. Our football star is still in action, persisting against all odds, and we cannot wait to see where his career takes him next.