Nick Bawden

Nick Bawden's Biography

Charles Nicholas Bawden, an American professional football player, was born on June 22, 1996. As a prominent fullback, Bawden has shaped an extraordinary track in his athletic career, notwithstanding the trials and tribulations that came his way. Although he currently operates as a free agent, his remarkable college football tenure at San Diego State and professional experience with NFL teams, such as the Detroit Lions, New York Jets, and Houston Texans, helped Bawden establish himself in the world of football.

During his very freshman year at San Diego State, Bawden initiated his collegiate career as a quarterback. This starting stint encompassed two games representing the Aztecs team, where he successfully completed 13 out of 38 passes for a total of 147 yards. This sequence comprised a touchdown and two interceptions. Following this period, Bawden then took a significant turn and transitioned to the fullback position. As a junior, he drastically improved his performance and acquired 15 passes for a sum of 137 yards. By his senior year, Bawden secured 15 passes for 103 yards, validating his first-ever touchdown.

In the history of college football, Bawden had the exceptional achievement of being the lead blocker for two different 2,000-yard rushers, Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny, for consecutive years. This remarkable feat had not been achieved prior to that. It also turned out that both Pumphrey and Penny ended up being the leading rushers in college football in the years 2016 and 2017, respectively.

The zenith of his college football presence was duly recognized as Bawden was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft. However, on June 6, 2018, Bawden stumbled across a setback as he suffered a torn ACL during organized team activities, leading to him being ruled out for the 2018 season. Consequently, he was placed on injured reserve on July 24, 2018.

Yet, Bawden’s career experienced a series of injuries. On November 20, 2019 and on August 31, 2020, he was placed on injured reserve. Eventually, he was waived on June 3, 2021.

On September 23, 2021, Bawden was contracted by the New York Jets where he initially joined the practice squad. By November 24, he was promoted to the active roster. On January 9, 2024, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Jets. However, his tenure with the Jets experienced a fluctuation as he encountered another injury leading to his placement on the injured reserve on August 30, and was then waived on December 20 to accommodate the quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The very next day, Bawden was re-signed to the practice squad and continued to serve until his release on July 30, 2024.

Bawden continued his professional journey as he signed with the Houston Texans on August 21, 2024. However, this association was short-lived as he was released by them on August 27, 2024.

In the midst of all the transitions and hardships, one of Bawden’s career milestones that stand out is his first career touchdown on a one-yard carry on September 25 against the New England Patriots.

Throughout his football career, Charles Nicholas Bawden possesses the exceptional measures of an athlete’s story, marked by determination, resilience, and passion for the game.