Byron Cowart Bio
Byron Cowart, born on May 20, 1996, in Seffner, Florida, is an American professional football defensive end. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers and the Maryland Terrapins before being selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Entering college, he was regarded as the number one overall recruit by ESPN and Rivals, marking him as one of the most anticipated defensive prospects of his class.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 300 pounds, Cowart has built a career as an interior pass rusher and run defender across multiple NFL organizations. Since entering the league in 2019, he has appeared for seven franchises, working primarily in rotation roles on the defensive line.
Early Life and Background
Byron Cowart was raised in Seffner, Florida, a community in the Tampa Bay region known for producing high-level football talent. He attended Armwood High School in Seffner, where he developed into one of the most decorated defensive prospects in the country. His combination of size, strength, and quickness made him a dominant force along the defensive line at the high school level.
During his senior season at Armwood, Cowart was named the number one overall recruit in the 2015 class by both ESPN and Rivals, two of the most respected recruiting services in the country. This recognition placed him among the most sought-after high school football players in recent memory and drew attention from programs across the nation.
Path to American Football
Cowart committed to Auburn University in 2015, signing with the Tigers as the crown jewel of their recruiting class. His arrival in the Southeastern Conference was met with significant expectations, given his status as the consensus top recruit in the country. However, the transition to college football proved challenging.
During his first two seasons at Auburn, Cowart struggled to secure consistent playing time on a deep defensive line. After appearing in the team’s first two games of the 2017 season, he decided to leave the program and return closer to home. He enrolled at Hillsborough Community College near Seffner to continue his development. In December 2017, Cowart announced that he would transfer to the University of Maryland for the 2018 season, where he finished his college career and showcased the pass-rushing ability that had once made him the top recruit in the nation.
Byron Cowart Career
Early Career (2015-2018)
Byron Cowart’s early career spanned two major college football programs and a brief stop at the junior college level. At Auburn from 2015 to 2017, he competed for snaps on a stacked defensive front but managed only limited appearances. His time at Hillsborough Community College allowed him to reset his development and prepare for a fresh start at the FBS level.
At Maryland in 2018, Cowart played his only full season as a featured contributor, using the platform to demonstrate the traits that had made him a five-star recruit. His performance in College Park was enough to convince NFL scouts that he remained a draftable prospect, and he entered the 2019 NFL draft process with a chance to revive his career at the professional level.
New England Patriots (2019-2021)
Cowart was selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round, 159th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. As a rookie, he played in five games, primarily contributing on special teams and as a rotational defensive lineman. The Patriots, known for developing late-round defensive talent, gave him a structured environment to grow.
His most notable moment during the Patriots era came in Week 14 of the 2020 season against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, when Cowart recorded his first career sack on quarterback Jared Goff. The 2021 season began with Cowart on the reserve and physically unable to perform list, and he was ultimately waived by New England on July 22, 2022, beginning a series of transitions across the league.
Indianapolis Colts (2022)
On July 23, 2022, one day after being released by New England, Cowart was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts. His time in Indianapolis was brief, as the organization moved forward with other options along the interior defensive line. The stint nonetheless gave Cowart another opportunity to compete at the NFL level.
Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Miami Dolphins (2023)
Cowart signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 24, 2023, but was released on May 10, 2023, during the offseason program. He quickly found another opportunity, signing with the Houston Texans on May 18, 2023, and remained with the team through the summer before being released on August 29, 2023.
On September 19, 2023, Cowart joined the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins, where he spent the remainder of the season. He was not signed to a reserve or future contract, allowing his practice squad deal to expire at season’s end, which made him a free agent heading into 2024.
Chicago Bears (2024)
On March 18, 2024, Cowart signed with the Chicago Bears, joining a defensive line overhaul underway in Chicago. He was released on August 27, 2024, but re-signed to the practice squad the same period, demonstrating the organization’s continued interest in his services. On October 5, 2024, he was elevated to the active roster, where he finished the season contributing along the defensive front.
New York Jets (2025-Present)
On March 13, 2025, Cowart signed with the New York Jets, continuing his journey across the league. He was placed on injured reserve on August 26, 2025, and was later released by the Jets on December 2, 2025. His time in New York represented another chapter in a career defined by perseverance and adaptability across multiple organizations.
Driving Style and Strengths
As an interior defensive lineman, Cowart relies on a combination of power at the point of attack and quick hands to disengage from blockers. His strength lies in stopping the run and pressuring quarterbacks from the defensive tackle position, where his size and leverage create problems for opposing offensive lines. Throughout his career, he has served primarily in rotation roles, providing depth and situational pass-rushing ability.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Cowart’s career was his first career sack against Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Another significant milestone was being named the number one overall recruit in the 2015 class, a recognition that highlighted his ceiling as a prospect entering college football.
Byron Cowart Career Wins
Byron Cowart’s professional resume is built on longevity, durability, and the ability to contribute across multiple defensive schemes. Since entering the NFL in 2019, he has appeared for seven organizations, accumulating 67 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 pass deflection in his career statistics.
NFL Career Highlights
Through six NFL seasons, Cowart has played in games for the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets. His first career sack came in 2020 against the Los Angeles Rams, and he has continued to provide depth along interior defensive lines throughout his career.
Other Wins and Performances
At the college level, Cowart’s most notable season came at Maryland in 2018, where he earned consistent playing time and helped position himself as an NFL draft prospect. His path through Auburn, Hillsborough Community College, and Maryland showcased his resilience and willingness to adapt on the road to professional football.
Byron Cowart Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Byron Cowart’s family background is limited. He was raised in Seffner, Florida, where he attended Armwood High School, a program well known for producing NFL-level talent.
Personal Life
Details about Byron Cowart’s personal life, including his marital status and family, are not widely documented in public sources. He has remained focused on his professional football career since being drafted in 2019.
2025 Season Performance
Byron Cowart signed with the New York Jets on March 13, 2025, joining the team in free agency ahead of the new league year. The signing was part of a defensive line rebuild in New York, with the Jets adding veteran depth to compete in the AFC East. Cowart was expected to provide rotation support along the interior of the defensive front.
His 2025 season was disrupted on August 26, when he was placed on injured reserve, removing him from active duty during the early portion of the regular season. Cowart was later released by the Jets on December 2, 2025, ending his tenure in New York. Despite the abbreviated campaign, his signing reflected the continued demand for experienced defensive linemen across the league.
Looking ahead, Cowart’s career trajectory points toward potential free agency opportunities in 2026, as his combination of size, experience, and positional versatility continues to draw interest from organizations seeking interior defensive depth.