Lynn Bowden Jr.

BIOGRAPHY

Lynn Bowden Jr., born October 14, 1997, is a professional football player in the United States with a noteworthy career as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). Prior to an impressive stint as an NFL player, Bowden Jr. flashed his football prowess on the college field with the Kentucky Wildcats. Throughout seven games, he served as the team’s starting quarterback in his junior year, garnering attention enough to warrant a selection by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His professional playing journey weaved through teams, including the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots.

Raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Bowden Jr. initiated his journey into competitive sport by attending Liberty High School where his successful blitz on the football field began. His athletic talent was laid bare as a freshman when he played as a running back, later transitioning into the role of Leopards starting quarterback in his sophomore year. His excellent performances paved the way for his recognition as a first-team OHSAA Division V All-State. His record comprised of passing for 761 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions, in addition to rushing for 1,782 yards.

The next step of Bowden Jr.’s journey led him to Warren G. Harding High School after his family relocated to Warren, Ohio. His junior year saw him taking on the roles of quarterback and punter. Known for his standout senior year, he passed for 1,366 yards, rushed for 2,277 yards, and amassed a total of 57 touchdowns. This impressive performance led to Bowden Jr. receiving the OHSAA Division II Offensive Player of the Year title, along with being the runner-up for the renowned Ohio Mr. Football Award.

The sporting world quickly recognized Bowden Jr.’s potential, with major sport recruiting platforms like Scout.com, Rivals.com, and 247Sports rating him as a four-star prospect. He initially committed to play college football with the Indiana Hoosiers, before opting out and deciding to play at the University of Kentucky. This decision came despite offers from various prestigious schools including Penn State, Michigan State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

Kentucky’s allure won over in the end, even after a late offer from Ohio State. His high school career culminated with him being the sixth-leading rusher in Ohio’s history with an impressive 7,387 yards, and tenth in the history for 91 rushing touchdowns. Apart from football, Bowden Jr. showcased his skills in basketball, averaging 24 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, whilst also playing in the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star game as a senior.

Embarking on his collegiate career as a true freshman, Bowden Jr. transitioned into a wide receiver, catching 17 passes for 210 yards. He also served as the Wildcats’ primary kick returner, earning a place in the Freshman All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) team as a return specialist. In his sophomore year, he made a mark with 67 catches for 745 yards and five touchdowns, earning him a spot on the watchlist for the Paul Hornung Award.

In his junior year, Bowden Jr. stepped up to become the Wildcats’ starting quarterback. He shone in this new role, assisting the team to a 24–20 win against Arkansas in the first game itself. He finished the regular season with record-breaking achievements, including setting an SEC record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game. His accolades that year included the Hornung Award, as well as several All-American honors.

Bowden’s successful college journey came to an early end when he decided to enter the 2020 NFL draft, forgoing his senior year. He left the college football scene on a high note as he was named the MVP of the 2019 Belk Bowl. The Las Vegas Raiders picked him up in the third round as the 80th overall pick. Later, he was traded to the Miami Dolphins where he made his NFL debut on September 20, 2020 against the Buffalo Bills.

In spite of noticeable performances, Bowden Jr.’s journey with Dolphins was cut short due to injuries. However, New England Patriots picked him up for their practice squad, offering him a reserve/futures contract. After a brief stint with Patriots, Bowden Jr. signed with New Orleans Saints before being waived, but was later re-signed to the practice squad and eventually made it to the active roster.

Away from the field, Bowden Jr. is father to two children, a son and a daughter. His cousin, Derek Culver has an impressive basketball profile having played for West Virginia and numerous teams in the NBA G League. A unique detail about Bowden Jr is his collection of over 70 tattoos, marking him an unusual personality in the sport’s sphere.