Dante Fowler Jr. Bio
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. is an American professional football linebacker whose career has spanned more than a decade across the National Football League. After starring as a pass rusher at the University of Florida, he was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL draft. He has since played for the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and the Seattle Seahawks.
Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Fowler built his reputation as a versatile edge defender capable of playing both defensive end and outside linebacker. He signed with the Seattle Seahawks in May 2026 on a one-year, $5 million contract, continuing a journey defined by resilience and positional flexibility.
Early Life and Background
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. was born on August 3, 1994, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He grew up in the same coastal city and attended Lakewood High School, where he developed into a two-sport athlete in football and track. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness quickly drew national attention.
As a senior, Fowler was named an honorable mention to the Sports Illustrated All-American football team and was selected to the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game, cementing his status as one of the top recruits in the country. On the track, he competed as a shot putter, recording a top throw of 14.32 meters, showcasing the raw power that would later translate to his football career.
Path to American Football
Fowler accepted a football scholarship from the University of Florida, joining the Florida Gators as a highly-touted outside linebacker. As a freshman in 2012, he moved to the outside linebacker position and appeared in all 13 games, recording 30 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks while earning freshman All-American honors.
He built on that promise as a sophomore in 2013, starting all 13 games and serving as a team captain for the final two games of the season. His junior year in 2014 marked his breakout: he slimmed down from 277 to 261 pounds to become a more explosive edge player, recording 60 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection, and he closed his college career with three sacks in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl victory over East Carolina.
Dante Fowler Jr. Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Fowler third overall in the 2015 NFL draft, but his rookie year was lost on the very first day of mini-camp when he tore his ACL on May 8, 2015. He signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $23.5 million contract four days later and spent his first season rehabilitating. Fowler made his NFL debut on September 11, 2016, against the Green Bay Packers, finishing his first official season with 32 tackles, 4 sacks, and five passes defensed.
In 2017, Fowler emerged as a playmaker. He opened the season with a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the Houston Texans and finished the year with eight sacks, 21 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He added five tackles and two sacks in the playoffs as the Jaguars reached the AFC Championship Game.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2018–2019)
On October 30, 2018, Fowler was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, where a shift to a 3-4 defense led him to right outside linebacker. In eight regular-season games, he posted 21 tackles, two sacks, a pass defended, and a forced fumble. He then played a pivotal role in the Rams’ playoff run, recording two tackles and a sack against the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round, then five tackles and half a sack in the NFC Championship Game win over the New Orleans Saints, highlighted by a key hit on Drew Brees in overtime that set up the game-sealing interception. He added four tackles in Super Bowl LIII, a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots.
Fowler signed a one-year, $14 million extension with the Rams on March 11, 2019. He delivered his most productive season as a Ram, finishing with 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles, six passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery touchdown.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2020–2021)
On March 25, 2020, Fowler signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, reuniting with head coach Dan Quinn. In his first season, he started 14 games at right defensive end and recorded 22 tackles, three sacks, and eight quarterback pressures. In 2021, a switch to a 3-4 defense moved him back to outside linebacker, where he led the team with 4.5 sacks while adding 36 tackles, eight quarterback pressures, and a career-best three forced fumbles. He was released on February 16, 2022.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2022–2023)
On March 18, 2022, Fowler signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, again reuniting with Quinn, now serving as defensive coordinator. Appearing in all 17 games as a pass-rushing specialist at defensive end, he recorded 20 tackles, 6 sacks, and 29 quarterback pressures. He returned on another one-year deal on March 21, 2023, appearing in all 17 games with 13 tackles, 4 sacks, and 7 quarterback pressures in a rotational role.
Washington Commanders Era (2024)
On March 15, 2024, Fowler signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, reuniting with Quinn for a third time. In Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers, he recorded his first career interception, returning it 67 yards for a touchdown. In Week 9 against the New York Giants, he posted 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback pressures, and a forced fumble, helping anchor the Commanders’ edge defense on their run to the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 55-23.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2026–Present)
On May 11, 2026, Fowler signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, bringing a veteran edge presence to a new defensive scheme. His ability to play multiple positions across both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts continues to shape his value as a situational pass rusher.
Driving Style and Strengths
Fowler is known for his positional versatility, comfortably shifting between defensive end in 4-3 schemes and outside linebacker in 3-4 looks. His experience under multiple defensive coordinators, particularly Dan Quinn, has made him a reliable edge setter and pass rusher who can align across the defensive front.
Notable Events and Milestones
Signature moments include his 53-yard fumble return touchdown against the Houston Texans in 2017, his overtime hit on Drew Brees in the 2018 NFC Championship Game, and his 67-yard interception return touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in 2024. He has now played in a Super Bowl, an AFC Championship Game, and an NFC Championship Game across his career.
Dante Fowler Jr. Career Wins
Fowler’s professional resume includes 58.5 career sacks, 294 tackles, 23 pass deflections, 15 forced fumbles, and three touchdowns across his NFL career through the 2025 season. His impact has spanned multiple teams, schemes, and roles, reflecting both durability and adaptability at the edge position.
Defensive Production Highlights
His most prolific pass-rushing season came in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams, when he posted 11.5 sacks. He has recorded at least three sacks in every full season since 2016 and has reached double-digit sacks once. He also set a career high with three forced fumbles in 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons.
Other Performances
Fowler earned Second-team All-SEC honors in 2013 and First-team All-SEC honors in 2014 during his final college season at Florida. His collegiate totals included 140 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks across three seasons.
Dante Fowler Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Fowler grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, alongside family members who supported his athletic development from a young age. His younger brother, Donterio Fowler, was arrested in July 2021 in connection with a 2016 murder of a Florida International University student, an event that has been part of the public record surrounding Fowler’s family.
Personal Life
Fowler has dealt with off-field legal matters. On July 18, 2017, he was arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida, for simple battery and committing mischief after confronting a man who commented about his driving. On March 1, 2018, he pleaded no contest to battery, criminal mischief, and petty theft, receiving a fine, a year of probation, and 75 hours of community service. He was also suspended one game by the NFL in 2018 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
2025 Season Performance
Fowler returned to the Dallas Cowboys on March 14, 2025, signing a one-year, $8 million contract. In his second stint with the team, he operated in a rotational pass-rushing role, finishing the 2025 season with three sacks, 15 tackles, and three passes defended.
His production complemented a defense built around edge pressure, and his veteran presence helped stabilize the rotation. The Cowboys valued his experience under Dan Quinn’s scheme, even as his role shifted between base and sub-package alignments.
Following the 2025 season, Fowler entered free agency and signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 11, 2026, on a one-year, $5 million contract, signaling continued demand for his versatile edge skills heading into his 12th NFL season.
