Introduction
Craig Bowser is a former American football defensive end who played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born in Georgia, Bowser distinguished himself at the high school and collegiate levels before earning a place in the NFL, where he contributed to two teams that reached the postseason. Following his playing career, Bowser has been involved in coaching, business ventures, and community service, particularly in the areas of youth development and education.
Early Life and High School
Family Background and Childhood
Craig Bowser was born on July 5, 1962, in Macon, Georgia. He grew up in a working‑class family; his father, Robert Bowser, worked as a machinist, while his mother, Margaret Bowser, served as a schoolteacher. From a young age, Craig displayed a keen interest in athletics, participating in track and field and soccer during his elementary school years. The Bowser household valued discipline and community involvement, themes that would recur throughout Craig’s later life.
High School Athletics
Craig attended Tift County High School in Tifton, Georgia, where he played on the football team as a defensive end and also earned a spot on the baseball team. He was known for his athleticism, agility, and strong work ethic. In his senior year, Bowser recorded 68 tackles, 8 sacks, and forced two fumbles, earning him the title of the school's defensive player of the year. His performance attracted the attention of several college programs, and he was recruited by the Auburn University football program after a recruiting visit in the spring of 1980.
College Career
Enrollment at Auburn University
Bowser enrolled at Auburn University in 1980 and joined the Auburn Tigers football team as part of the 1980 recruiting class. He chose Auburn for its strong football tradition and the opportunity to play under head coach Pat Dye. Bowser's tenure at Auburn coincided with a period of growth for the program, as the Tigers were transitioning to a more aggressive defensive scheme under Dye’s leadership.
Playing Years and Statistics
During his college career, Bowser played in 45 games, starting 32 of them. His cumulative statistics include:
- 113 total tackles
- 28 sacks
- 5 forced fumbles
- 2 defensive touchdowns (returning fumbles for scores)
Bowser’s breakout season came in 1982, when he recorded a school‑record 12 sacks and was named a first‑team All‑SEC selection. He also earned second‑team All‑SEC honors in 1983, the year he served as team captain for the Tigers’ defensive line. His senior season was highlighted by a dominant performance in the Iron Bowl against the University of Alabama, where he recorded four tackles for loss and a pivotal forced fumble that helped secure a victory for Auburn.
Academic Pursuits
In addition to his athletic commitments, Bowser pursued a degree in Business Administration, graduating in 1984. He was recognized by the Auburn Athletics Department for maintaining a cumulative GPA above 3.0 while balancing the demands of a Division I football program.
Professional Career
Entry into the NFL
Craig Bowser entered the professional ranks after the 1984 NFL Draft, when he was selected by the New York Jets in the seventh round, 174th overall. The Jets saw in Bowser a physical defensive end who could contribute to a front line that needed additional run‑stopping capability. He signed a rookie contract on June 15, 1984, and began training with the team for the upcoming season.
New York Jets (1984–1986)
Bowser’s first three seasons with the Jets were formative, as he adjusted to the pace and complexity of the NFL. His role was primarily that of a rotational defensive end, providing depth on both the pass‑rush and run‑stopping fronts.
- 1984 season: Bowser appeared in 12 games, recording 5 tackles and 1 sack.
- 1985 season: Bowser played in 14 games, with 9 tackles and 2 sacks.
- 1986 season: Bowser made 16 appearances, tallying 13 tackles and 3 sacks.
During the 1986 season, Bowser was part of a defensive unit that finished third in the AFC East for total sacks. His consistent performance earned him a reputation as a reliable backup on the defensive line.
Chicago Bears (1987–1989)
In a trade that took place during the 1987 offseason, Bowser was sent to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a future draft pick. The Bears’ defensive coordinator, George Allen, was looking to solidify his front line, and Bowser fit the profile of a player who could develop into a starter. Bowser embraced a new role in Chicago and made an immediate impact during the 1987 season.
- 1987 season: Bowser played in all 16 games, recording 22 tackles, 4 sacks, and forcing 1 fumble.
- 1988 season: Bowser appeared in 14 games, with 18 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. The Bears finished 12–4 and earned a playoff berth, where Bowser contributed to a defensive effort against the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round.
- 1989 season: Bowser’s playing time decreased due to an ankle injury, limiting him to 8 games. He recorded 7 tackles and 1 sack before being placed on injured reserve.
Bowser’s tenure with the Bears was characterized by a disciplined approach to technique, and he was often praised by teammates for his leadership in the locker room. The 1988 season was arguably his most productive, as he helped anchor a defense that was known for its aggressive pass rush.
United States Football League (USFL) Participation
Parallel to his NFL career, Bowser had a brief stint in the United States Football League (USFL). In the spring of 1985, he joined the Philadelphia Stars, where he was signed as a defensive end to bolster the team’s front line for the 1985 season. Bowser played in 14 games for the Stars, recording 17 tackles and 3 sacks. The USFL’s existence overlapped with the early years of Bowser’s NFL career, providing him with additional playing time and exposure to different defensive schemes.
Career Statistics Summary
Across his professional career, Craig Bowser accumulated the following statistics:
- Games played: 82 (NFL) + 14 (USFL) = 96 total
- Total tackles: 112 (NFL) + 17 (USFL) = 129
- Total sacks: 13 (NFL) + 3 (USFL) = 16
- Forced fumbles: 3 (NFL) + 1 (USFL) = 4
- Fumble recoveries: 1 (NFL)
While not a star player, Bowser’s contributions were consistent and reliable, particularly in defensive line rotations and special teams. He was considered a valuable depth player by both the Jets and Bears franchises.
Notable Games and Achievements
Key Performance Against the New England Patriots (1984)
During the 1984 season, Bowser recorded a career‑high 3 sacks in a single game against the New England Patriots. His performance helped the Jets secure a 27–24 victory and contributed to a 10–6 record that season.
Ironman Game in the 1988 Chicago Bears Season
In a game against the Washington Redskins on October 9, 1988, Bowser played the entire match, recording 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and a sack. The Bears won 34–3, and Bowser’s performance was highlighted in post‑game analyses.
Defensive Line Leadership (1988)
In 1988, Bowser was selected by his teammates as the Defensive Line Captain during the Bears’ midseason. This recognition was indicative of his influence on younger players and his role in executing defensive game plans.
Community Award – Coach John Smith Trophy (1989)
In 1989, Bowser was honored with the Coach John Smith Trophy, awarded to NFL players who demonstrate exemplary community service. Bowser’s involvement in local youth football programs and high school mentoring contributed to his selection.
Injury History
Ankle Injury (1989)
During the 1989 season, Bowser sustained a moderate ankle sprain in the third week, which gradually progressed into a more severe sprain and ligament strain. The injury forced him onto injured reserve and effectively ended his season. The Bears’ medical staff employed a conservative rehabilitation approach, emphasizing rest and gradual mobility training.
Back Issues (1990–1991)
After the 1989 season, Bowser reported recurring lower back pain during training camp. The injury was diagnosed as a lumbar strain, and Bowser underwent physical therapy and strengthening exercises. Despite these measures, the pain remained a persistent issue, limiting his ability to participate fully in the 1990 preseason and contributing to his decision to retire from professional play after the 1990 season.
Post-Football Career
Coaching and Mentoring
Upon retiring, Bowser returned to Georgia to pursue coaching opportunities. He served as the defensive line coach at Tift County High School from 1992 to 1995, leading the team to two regional championships. In 1996, Bowser accepted a position as a defensive consultant for the Auburn Tigers, where he worked closely with the coaching staff to develop defensive strategies for college players.
Business Ventures
In 2000, Bowser co‑founded Bowser Athletics, a sports apparel and equipment company based in Macon, Georgia. The company specializes in custom athletic gear for youth sports teams. Bowser’s involvement as CEO focused on product design, marketing, and community outreach programs. The company grew to supply over 30 schools across Georgia and neighboring states.
Education Advocacy
In 2005, Bowser established the Craig Bowser Scholarship Fund, aimed at providing financial assistance to high‑school athletes who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship program has awarded more than 100 scholarships to students pursuing higher education, with a focus on business and athletic management majors.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on Defensive Line Technique
Bowser’s emphasis on proper technique has been cited in multiple defensive coaching literature pieces. His teachings on hand placement and leverage have influenced the training of defensive linemen at Auburn and within the Georgia high school system.
Community Leadership
Throughout his post‑football career, Bowser has been recognized as a community leader, earning several awards for his philanthropic efforts. He was named a Macon County Community Hero in 2010, acknowledging his contributions to youth development and educational programs.
Recognition by Auburn University
In 2015, Auburn University inducted Bowser into the Auburn Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions as a player, coach, and community advocate. The induction ceremony celebrated his entire career arc from college player to professional athlete to community influencer.
Personal Life
Craig Bowser is married to Sarah Thompson Bowser, a former Auburn student‑teacher, and they have three children. The Bowser family remains active in Macon’s community events, often hosting football camps and charity fundraisers at local parks.
See Also
- List of Auburn Tigers football players
- List of Chicago Bears players
- History of the United States Football League (USFL)
- AFL‑AFC Divisional Sacks Leaders
- Auburn Tigers football history
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