Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. is an American professional football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Fowler third overall in the 2015 NFL Draft after a standout college career at the University of Florida. A serious knee injury forced him to miss his entire rookie season, but he has since built a durable NFL career spanning multiple franchises including the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Commanders before returning to Dallas in 2025.
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. Bio
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. was born on August 3, 1994, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 264 pounds. Fowler has established himself as a versatile defensive player capable of playing multiple positions across different defensive schemes. His NFL career has been marked by resilience following early-career adversity and consistent production as a pass rusher. Fowler has appeared in over 150 career games and accumulated over 58 career sacks.
Early Life and Background
Fowler attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was a two-sport star in football and track. He earned honorable mention to the Sports Illustrated All-American football team following his senior season. Fowler was selected to play in the prestigious 2012 Under Armour All-America Game, which featured the top high school football players in the country.
Path to American Football
After high school, Fowler accepted a football scholarship from the University of Florida. As a freshman in 2012, he moved to the outside linebacker position. He played in all 13 games and made his first start against Missouri, recording 30 tackles including eight for loss and 2.5 sacks. His performance earned him spots on numerous freshman All-American teams.
As a sophomore in 2013, Fowler started all 13 games and served as a team captain for the final two games of the season. He recorded 50 tackles including 10.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was named Second-team All-SEC for his efforts.
As a junior in 2014, Fowler slimmed down from 277 to 261 pounds to become a more explosive edge player. He recorded 60 tackles including 15 for loss, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Fowler was named First-team All-SEC by the conference coaches. In his final college game, the 2015 Birmingham Bowl against East Carolina, he recorded three sacks to help the Gators secure a 28–20 victory. On November 19, 2014, Fowler announced he would leave the school with head coach Will Muschamp and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. Career
Jacksonville Jaguars (2015–2018)
Fowler was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft. On May 8, 2015, he tore his ACL on the first day of mini-camp and missed the entirety of his rookie season. Despite the injury, he signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $23.5 million contract with a $15.3 million signing bonus four days later.
After missing his entire rookie year, Fowler made his NFL debut on September 11, 2016, against the Green Bay Packers. He appeared in all 16 games with one start, recording 32 tackles, 4 sacks, and 5 passes defensed. In 2017, Fowler had a standout season with 8 sacks and helped the Jaguars win the AFC South with a 10–6 record. The Jaguars reached the AFC Championship Game before losing to the New England Patriots. In May 2018, the Jaguars declined the fifth-year option on Fowler’s contract.
Los Angeles Rams (2018–2019)
On October 30, 2018, Fowler was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for draft picks. In eight games with the Rams, he finished with 21 tackles and 2 sacks. The Rams reached Super Bowl LIII that season. In the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, Fowler made a crucial play in overtime when he hit Drew Brees to set up an interception that sent the Rams to the Super Bowl.
On March 11, 2019, Fowler signed a one-year, $14 million contract extension with the Rams. He had a career-best season, finishing with 11.5 sacks, 58 tackles, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. He recorded multiple-sack games against the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers during the season.
Atlanta Falcons (2020–2021)
On March 25, 2020, Fowler signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He reunited with head coach Dan Quinn, who had been his defensive coordinator at the University of Florida. He started in 14 games in his first season, recording 22 tackles, 3 sacks, and eight quarterback pressures.
In 2021, the Falcons switched to a 3-4 defense and Fowler was moved to outside linebacker. Despite battling injuries and being placed on injured reserve in October, Fowler led the team with 4.5 sacks and forced a career-high three fumbles. He was released on February 16, 2022.
Dallas Cowboys (2022–2023)
On March 18, 2022, Fowler signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys, reuniting with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. He appeared in all 17 games as a pass-rushing specialist, collecting 20 tackles and 6 sacks. He re-signed with the team on March 21, 2023, and appeared in all 17 games again, posting 13 tackles and 4 sacks.
Washington Commanders (2024)
On March 15, 2024, Fowler signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders, reuniting once again with Dan Quinn, who had become the head coach. In Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers, Fowler recorded his first career interception, returning it 67 yards for a touchdown. In Week 9 against the New York Giants, he posted 6 tackles and 2 sacks. The Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dallas Cowboys (2025)
On March 14, 2025, Fowler signed a one-year, $8 million contract to return to the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the 2025 season with three sacks, 15 tackles, and three passes defensed.
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. Career Wins
Across his NFL career spanning from 2015 to 2025, Dante Fowler Jr. has accumulated 294 career tackles, 58.5 career sacks, 15 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. His career statistics reflect consistent production when given regular playing time across multiple defensive systems.
NFL Highlights
Fowler’s most productive season came in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams, when he recorded 11.5 sacks. He posted 8 sacks with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017, helping the team win the AFC South and reach the AFC Championship Game. He also recorded 6 sacks each with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. His rookie season was limited due to an ACL injury sustained before the season began.
Other Achievements
Before his NFL career, Fowler earned First-team All-SEC honors in 2014 and Second-team All-SEC honors in 2013 at the University of Florida. In his final college game at the 2015 Birmingham Bowl, he recorded three sacks in a victory over East Carolina.
Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. Family
Family Background
Fowler attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a two-sport star in football and track during his high school years. He was selected to play in the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game following his senior season.
Personal Life
On July 18, 2017, Fowler was arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida, for simple battery and criminal mischief. He confronted a man who commented about his driving, struck the man, broke his glasses, and threw a bag containing liquor into a lake. He was released from jail the next day on a $650 bond. On March 1, 2018, Fowler pleaded no contest to battery, criminal mischief, and petty theft. He was fined $2,575, received a year of probation, and was ordered to complete 75 hours of community service.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks Dante Fowler Jr.’s eleventh year in the NFL. Fowler returned to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year contract after spending the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders. He appeared in games throughout the season as a rotational defensive end. Fowler has been a consistent contributor throughout his career, appearing in over 150 career games. His versatility has allowed him to thrive in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes. The Cowboys will look to Fowler for depth and pass-rushing production as they pursue their playoff goals in 2025.