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Dante Fowler
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Dante Antwane Fowler Jr. (born August 3, 1994) is an American professional football defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL draft. Fowler missed his entire rookie season after sustaining an ACL tear. He has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Commanders.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Fowler attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was a two-sport star in football and track. Fowler was named an honorable mention to the Sports Illustrated All-American football team following his senior season, and was selected to the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game.[1]

In track, Fowler competed as a shot putter, recording a top throw of 14.32 meters (47 ft).[2]

College career

[edit]

Fowler accepted a football scholarship from the University of Florida. As a freshman in 2012, Fowler moved to the outside linebacker position. Fowler played in all 13 games and started his first game against Missouri. He recorded 30 tackles, including eight for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was named to numerous freshman all-American teams.

As a sophomore in 2013, Fowler started all 13 games for the Gators and was named a team captain for the two final games of the season. He recorded 50 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

As a junior in 2014, he slimmed down from 277 to 261 pounds, in an effort to be a more explosive edge player for the Gators.[3][4] He recorded 60 tackles, including 15 for loss, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, and was named a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection by the conference's coaches.[5] In his final game, the 2015 Birmingham Bowl vs East Carolina, he recorded three sacks helping the Gators to the 28–20 victory.[6]

On November 19, 2014, Fowler tweeted that he would leave the school with Will Muschamp, who announced he would step down as head coach. Fowler made his intentions to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft.[7]

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 2+5⁄8 in
(1.90 m) 		261 lb
(118 kg) 		33+3⁄4 in
(0.86 m) 		9+1⁄2 in
(0.24 m)		 4.60 s 1.59 s 2.69 s 4.32 s 7.40 s 32.5 in
(0.83 m)		 9 ft 4 in
(2.84 m)		 19 reps
All values from NFL Combine[8][9]

Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]

Fowler was selected third overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL draft.[10][11] On May 8, 2015, Fowler tore his ACL on the first day, and opening drill of mini-camp and missed the entirety of his rookie season.[12][13] On May 12, four days after tearing his ACL, Fowler signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $23.5 million contract, with a $15.3 million signing bonus.[14]

After missing his entire rookie year due to his ACL injury, Fowler made his NFL debut on September 11, 2016, in the game against the Green Bay Packers, where he made three tackles (one for a loss) as the Jaguars lost the game 27–23.[15] Fowler ended his first official season playing in all 16 games with one start, recording 32 tackles, 4 sacks, and five passes defensed.

On September 10, 2017, in the 29–7 season-opening road victory over the Houston Texans, Fowler had a stellar game. He had a 53-yard fumble return for a touchdown near the end of the first half. The touchdown was the first of his NFL career. Late in the third quarter, Fowler forced a fumble off of quarterback Deshaun Watson, which was recovered by teammate Yannick Ngakoue.[16][17] The Jaguars finished atop the AFC South with a 10–6 record. In the playoffs, Fowler recorded five tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection before the Jaguars were defeated 24–20 by the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

On May 2, 2018, the Jaguars declined the fifth-year option on Fowler's contract.[18] On July 20, 2018, he was suspended for one game due to violating the league's personal conduct policy.[19] In December 2019, the NFLPA revealed that it had won a grievance filed on Fowler's behalf alleging that the Jaguars had improperly fined Fowler over $700,000 for not attending rehab and medical appointments in Jacksonville during the 2018 offseason. Under the collective bargaining agreement, these appointments should have been voluntary. This incident reportedly led to the firing of Jaguars football operations chief Tom Coughlin.[20]

Los Angeles Rams

[edit]
Fowler with the Los Angeles Rams following their loss in Super Bowl LIII, 2019

On October 30, 2018, Fowler was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a compensatory third-round selection (Quincy Williams) in the 2019 NFL draft and a fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft, which ended up being used to select Collin Johnson.[21] Due to a change to the 3–4 defense, Fowler moved to right outside linebacker with the Rams. In 8 games of 2018, Fowler finished with 21 tackles, 2 sacks, a pass defended, and a forced fumble. In the playoffs, the Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round and Fowler recorded 2 tackles and a sack. In the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, Fowler recorded 5 tackles and 0.5 sacks in a 26–23 overtime victory to advance to Super Bowl LIII and Fowler made a huge play in overtime when he hit Drew Brees to set up an interception by John Johnson III. The Rams played the Patriots in the Super Bowl but lost 13–3. Fowler recorded 4 tackles in the loss.

On March 11, 2019, Fowler signed a one-year, $14 million contract extension with the Rams.[22] In the season-opener against the Carolina Panthers, Fowler sacked Cam Newton twice as the Rams won on the road by a score of 30–27.[23] During Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, he sacked Matt Ryan three times in the 37–10 road victory.[24] Three weeks later against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fowler recovered a fumbled snap by center Maurkice Pouncey and returned it for a 26 yard touchdown in the 17–12 road loss.[25] During Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers, he sacked Jimmy Garoppolo 2.5 times during a 34–31 road loss.[26]

Atlanta Falcons

[edit]

On March 25, 2020, Fowler signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Falcons.[27] He reunited with head coach Dan Quinn, who was his defensive coordinator at the University of Florida. He started in 14 games at right defensive end, recording 22 tackles (4 for loss), 3 sacks and eight quarterback pressures. He had 2 tackles and 3 quarterback pressures against the Carolina Panthers. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 14, 2020,[28] and activated on November 25.[29]

In 2021, the team changed to a 3–4 defense and Fowler was switched to right outside linebacker. He was passed on the depth chart by rookie Adetokunbo Ogundeji. He appeared in 14 games with six starts, registering 36 tackles (6 for loss), 4.5 sacks (led the team), 8 quarterback pressures and a career-best three forced fumbles. On October 22, 2021, Fowler was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a knee injury.[30] On November 14, 2021, Fowler was activated from IR in time to be active for week 10 game versus the Cowboys.[31] He had a career-high three tackles for loss, one sack and one quarterback pressure against the Carolina Panthers.

He was released on February 16, 2022.[32]

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

[edit]

On March 18, 2022, Fowler signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.[33] He reunited with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who was his head coach with the Atlanta Falcons. He appeared in all 17 games as a pass rushing specialist at defensive end, collecting 20 tackles (3 for loss), 6 sacks and 29 quarterback pressures. He had one tackle, one sack, 2 quarterback pressures, one pass breakup and one force fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals. He made 4 tackles (one for loss), one sack and 3 quarterback pressures against the Chicago Bears.

He signed another one-year contract with the team on March 21, 2023.[34] He remained as a backup rotational player at defensive end, appearing in all 17 games, posting 13 tackles (5 for loss), 4 sacks and 7 quarterback pressures.

Washington Commanders

[edit]

On March 15, 2024, Fowler signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders. He reunited with head coach Dan Quinn, who was his defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys. Their reunion was a key part of Fowler's decision to join the Commanders, as Quinn had previously switched Fowler's position to an outside linebacker/edge role, a move that played to his strengths and helped him thrive in Quinn's defensive scheme. The two aimed to replace the production of defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

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, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback pressures, and one forced fumble, showcasing his significant contribution to the team's defense under Quinn's leadership. As the season progressed, Fowler’s presence on the edge proved pivotal in bolstering the Commanders’ defensive line, helping the team remain competitive in a tough division. Fowler was a key contributor to their playoff run. However, their season would ultimately end with a loss in the NFC Championship Game to the Philadelphia Eagles, with a final score of 55-23.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

[edit]

On March 14, 2025, Fowler signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.[35]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Regular season statistics
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds TD PD
2015 JAX Injured
2016 JAX 16 1 32 23 9 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5
2017 JAX 16 0 21 18 3 8 2 2 53 1 0 0 0 0
2018 JAX 7 0 9 8 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
LAR 8 6 21 15 6 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
2019 LAR 16 14 58 40 18 11.5 2 1 26 1 0 0 0 6
2020 ATL 14 13 23 12 11 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2021 ATL 14 6 36 21 15 4.5 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2022 DAL 17 0 27 22 5 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
2023 DAL 17 0 13 8 5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
2024 WAS 17 7 39 25 14 10.5 2 0 0 0 1 67 1 1
Career 142 47 279 192 87 55.5 15 5 79 2 1 67 1 20
Postseason statistics
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds TD Int Yds TD PD
2017 JAX 3 0 5 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2018 LAR 3 3 12 8 4 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 DAL 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 DAL 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2024 WAS 3 2 5 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 12 5 23 17 6 3.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Personal life

[edit]

On July 18, 2017, Fowler was arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida. for simple battery and committing mischief. Fowler 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.[36]

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 undergo 75 hours of community service.[37] His younger brother Donterio Fowler was arrested in July 2021 in connection to a 2016 murder of a Florida International University student.[38]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dante Fowler

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from Grokipedia
Dante Fowler Jr. (born August 3, 1994) is an American football defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 261 pounds. Fowler played college football for the Florida Gators, where he started as a freshman in 2012 and recorded 14.5 sacks over three seasons. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Fowler's professional career began with a setback when he suffered a torn ACL during the Jaguars' rookie minicamp in May 2015, causing him to miss his entire debut season. He made his debut in 2016 and spent his first three active seasons with Jacksonville, where he emerged as a productive pass rusher, including a career-starting 8 sacks in 2017. Midseason in 2018, he was traded to the , helping the team reach . Fowler signed with the as a in 2020, recording 7.5 sacks over two seasons there. In 2022, Fowler joined the on a one-year deal, reuniting with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn from his tenure, and re-signed for 2023. He played for the in 2024 before returning to the Cowboys on a one-year contract worth up to $8 million ahead of the 2025 season. As of the end of the 2024 season, Fowler had amassed 55.5 sacks, 279 combined tackles, and 15 forced fumbles across five teams, with his peak performance coming in 2019 when he led the with a career-high 11.5 sacks.

Early years

Childhood and family background

Dante Fowler was born on August 3, 1994, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to Dante Fowler Sr. and Lanora Fowler. His father worked as a detention deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department and had a background as a high school football player and coach at Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg. Lanora Fowler served as a registered nurse, providing a stable family environment that emphasized discipline and structure. The Fowler family dynamics revolved around a strong commitment to both education and athletics, with parents actively guiding their children's development to balance academic success with physical pursuits. Dante Fowler Sr. often intervened in family activities to instill values of hard work and accountability, while Lanora acted as the family's moral compass, occasionally restricting sports participation to reinforce rules. Fowler grew up with siblings including younger brothers Donterio and Cam'ron, as well as an older sister, Shaquala, in a close-knit household that fostered competitive play among the children. Fowler's early exposure to football came through his father's coaching role, beginning as young as age three when he started tackling and practicing drills in the backyard alongside his siblings, who served as willing opponents. This family-supported training highlighted a household emphasis on perseverance and physical toughness, shaping Fowler's foundational athletic mindset before organized youth leagues. Beyond football, Fowler showed initial interests in , influenced by the sports-oriented family background, though his father's football legacy steered much of his early focus.

High school career

Dante Fowler attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he emerged as a standout athlete in football and track. As a defensive end on the football team, he contributed significantly to the Spartans' efforts, helping lead them to a 6-4 record during his senior year in 2011. Fowler's athletic prowess extended to track and field, where he competed in events such as the shot put, recording a throw of 46 feet 10.5 inches in 2012. In football, Fowler earned multiple preseason and junior honors that highlighted his potential as a top prospect. He was selected to the 2011 MaxPreps Football Preseason All-American Team and the U.S. Air Force 2010 Junior All-American Team. His skills were further showcased at the 2012 , where he participated as a member of the White Team, drawing attention from scouts for his explosive pass-rushing ability. Fowler's high school performances made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the class of 2012. ESPN ranked him as the No. 10 and No. 71 overall prospect in the 150. He received scholarship offers from several elite programs, including Florida State, , USC, and Auburn, initially committing to the Seminoles before flipping his commitment to the on in February 2012. This recruitment process underscored his reputation as a blue-chip talent poised for success at the collegiate level.

College career

Early years at Florida (2012–2013)

Dante Fowler arrived at the in 2012 as a highly touted five-star recruit, quickly adapting to the rigors of football under head coach . As a true , he appeared in all 13 games for the Gators, including a start against , and contributed 30 total tackles (13 solo, 17 assisted), 8 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks while playing a rotational role on a defense that ranked fifth nationally in scoring defense. His disruptive presence earned him First-Team All-SEC Coaches' All-Freshman honors and Freshman All-American recognition from , marking him as an immediate impact player despite limited snaps. In his season of , Fowler solidified his role as a starter, lining up in all 12 games and emerging as the Gators' premier pass rusher on a unit that struggled to a 4-8 record. He recorded 50 total tackles (fifth on the team), 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and recovered a fumble, returning it 62 yards for a in a win over . These contributions led to first-team All-SEC selection by both the coaches and the . Fowler's early college years highlighted his growth from a raw into a dominant edge presence, with his speed and power drawing early attention midway through his time at . Under Muschamp's defensive scheme, he honed his pass-rushing techniques amid the academic and competitive demands of the SEC, establishing himself as one of the conference's top young talents by the conclusion of 2013.

2014 season and NFL Draft

Fowler entered his junior season at as one of the top defensive prospects in , building on his strong sophomore year where he earned first-team All-SEC honors. Under head coach , he started all 12 games for the Gators, who finished the regular season 6-5 before defeating East Carolina 28-20 in the . Despite the team's transitional year, Fowler delivered a breakout performance, recording 60 total tackles (29 solo, 31 assisted), leading the Gators with 15.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, along with 17 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His standout game came against LSU on October 11, where he tallied a career-high 11 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, and one sack that highlighted his disruptive presence on the edge. In the , he capped his college career with a career-best 3.0 sacks, contributing to 's defensive effort that held East Carolina to 10 points. These efforts earned him first-team All-SEC honors from the and coaches, as well as second-team All-American recognition from and the Football Foundation. Following the season, Fowler declared for the on November 19, 2014, forgoing his senior year, and was widely projected as a top-5 pick due to his athleticism and production as a er. At the in February 2015, the 6-foot-3, 261-pound Fowler impressed with a 4.60-second , a 1.59-second 10-yard split, a 32.5-inch , and a 9-foot-4 broad jump, showcasing his rare speed and explosiveness for his size. The selected him third overall in the first round on April 30, 2015, pairing him with their defensive front to bolster the . Fowler signed a four-year with the Jaguars worth $23.5 million, fully guaranteed, including a $15.3 million , on May 12, 2015, just before the start of organized team activities.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars (2015–2017)

The selected Dante Fowler third overall in the , viewing him as a cornerstone pass rusher due to his explosive college production at the and status as a local talent from St. Petersburg. As a hometown pick, expectations were high for Fowler to anchor the defensive line and help turn around the franchise's struggling defense. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed worth $23.5 million, including a $16.7 million , just days after being drafted. However, his season ended before it began when he tore his ACL in his left knee less than an hour into the first day of minicamp on May 8, 2015, leading to his placement on injured reserve and missing all 16 games. Fowler returned for the 2016 season opener against the , marking his NFL debut after rehabilitation. Under head coach , he served as a rotational , sharing snaps with veterans like and rookie in a scheme emphasizing multiple looks up front. Appearing in all 16 games with one start, Fowler recorded 4.0 sacks, 31 combined tackles (22 solo), and six tackles for loss, contributing to the Jaguars' improved but still 3-13 defense. In 2017, Fowler emerged as a full-time contributor in Todd Wash's aggressive front, rotating heavily alongside and Ngakoue to pressure quarterbacks. He started all 16 regular-season games, notching career highs of 8.0 sacks, 21 combined tackles (18 solo), seven tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, which helped the Jaguars lead the with 55 sacks en route to a 10-6 record and their first title since 2015. Fowler's impact extended into the during Jacksonville's run to the ; he tallied five tackles and 2.0 sacks in the divisional-round victory over the , including a pivotal strip-sack on that sealed the 45-42 comeback win. Amid ongoing contract discussions, the Jaguars declined Fowler's fifth-year option on May 2, 2018, valued at $14.2 million, signaling uncertainty about a long-term extension despite his progress. Tensions escalated after stalled negotiations and an off-field incident earlier that year, culminating in his to the on October 30, 2018, in exchange for a 2019 third-round pick and a 2020 fifth-round pick.

Los Angeles Rams (2018–2019)

On October 30, 2018, the Los Angeles Rams acquired Fowler from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2019 third-round draft pick and a 2020 fifth-round pick, providing him with a fresh start after a challenging tenure in Jacksonville. Fowler quickly integrated into defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' scheme, appearing in eight regular-season games with six starts, where he recorded 21 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and one forced fumble. His addition bolstered the Rams' pass rush depth as they advanced to Super Bowl LIII, though they lost 13–3 to the New England Patriots. In the playoffs, Fowler contributed across three games with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks, including a sack in the NFC Championship Game victory over the New Orleans Saints. Ahead of the 2019 season, Fowler signed a one-year extension with the worth $12 million, with incentives that could reach $14 million, allowing him to remain with the team as an unrestricted approached. Under the guidance of outside linebackers coach , Fowler evolved into a more versatile , capable of playing multiple alignments to complement Aaron Donald's interior pressure. He started 14 of 16 games, leading the team with a career-high 11.5 sacks alongside 58 total tackles and two forced fumbles. A standout performance came on October 20 against the , where Fowler notched three sacks and forced a fumble in a 37–10 win, marking his first multi-sack game of the season and highlighting his improved explosiveness. Despite Fowler's breakout production, the did not retain him in free agency after the 2019 season, as they faced approximately $15 million in limited space and prioritized other roster needs. He subsequently signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the on March 18, 2020.

Atlanta Falcons (2020–2021)

In March 2020, Fowler signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the , including $30 million guaranteed, following a breakout 2019 season with 11.5 sacks for the that elevated his value in free agency. The deal reunited him with head coach Dan Quinn, who had recruited the to the in 2011 during Quinn's tenure as defensive coordinator there. Fowler was expected to bolster Atlanta's as a starting opposite , addressing a key weakness after the Falcons ranked 25th in sacks the previous year. During the 2020 season, Fowler appeared in 14 games with 13 starts, registering 23 total tackles (11 solo), 2.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble while playing primarily as a right in Dan Quinn's defense. His production fell short of expectations, which he attributed partly to injuries that hampered his effectiveness and contributed to the Falcons' middling 30 sacks as a team, ranking 19th in the . No major long-term injuries sidelined him, but his limited impact plays reflected broader defensive struggles amid a 4-12 finish. In , under new Arthur Smith and during a rebuilding phase focused on youth and cap management, Fowler restructured his contract to a team-friendly $10.6 million with incentives tied to sacks and snaps. He started 6 of 14 games, recording 36 total tackles (15 solo), 4.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, and 3 forced fumbles—leading the team in sacks despite Atlanta finishing dead last in the league with just 18 total. Fowler missed three games with a injury that landed him on injured reserve in , returning in late , and struggled with consistency as the primary in a unit lacking depth and generating few pressures overall. On February 16, 2022, the Falcons released him after two seasons, clearing $10.9 million in cap space at the cost of $4.7 million in dead money to aid their ongoing rebuild.

Dallas Cowboys (first stint, 2022–2023)

Following his release from the Atlanta Falcons, Fowler signed a one-year, $3 million prove-it deal with the Dallas Cowboys on March 18, 2022. In his first season with the team, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games, registering 6 sacks, 27 combined tackles (22 solo), and 2 forced fumbles while serving in a rotational pass-rushing role under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Fowler notched multi-sack games against the Cincinnati Bengals (2 sacks on September 18), Washington Commanders (2 sacks on October 2), and Minnesota Vikings (2 sacks on November 20), contributing to the Cowboys' NFC East division title. The Cowboys advanced to the playoffs, defeating the 31–14 in the wild-card round, where Fowler recorded 1 tackle. Their postseason run ended with a 19–12 divisional-round loss to the , during which Fowler helped generate quarterback pressure as part of the defensive front. Fowler re-signed with the on a one-year, $3 million contract on March 21, 2023. He played in all 17 games that season, tallying 4 sacks, 13 combined tackles (8 solo), and 1 forced fumble in continued rotational duties within Quinn's scheme. again won the but fell 48–32 to the in the wild-card round, with Fowler not recording a statistic in the contest. Fowler became an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season and signed with the Washington Commanders on March 15, 2024, seeking a fresh opportunity under former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, now the Commanders' head coach.

Washington Commanders (2024)

On March 12, 2024, Fowler signed a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Washington Commanders, reuniting with head coach Dan Quinn, under whom he had previously played during Quinn's tenure as defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys. In his role as an edge rusher within Quinn's aggressive, multiple-front defensive scheme coordinated by Joe Whitt Jr., Fowler provided veteran leadership to a rebuilding unit, drawing on his prior experience in similar systems to integrate quickly and mentor younger players. Fowler appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Commanders in , starting 7, and recorded career-high totals of 10.5 sacks to lead the team, 39 combined tackles (25 solo), and 2 forced fumbles, contributing to a defense that showed marked improvement under Whitt's guidance. His pass-rush production was particularly notable in the latter half of the season, where he amassed 8 sacks over the final six games, including standout performances such as two sacks and a forced fumble against the in Week 9. Fowler avoided major injuries throughout the year, maintaining consistent snaps on the defensive line. The Commanders finished the 2024 regular season with a record, securing the No. 2 seed in the and advancing to the for the first time since 2020, though they fell in the to the . Under Quinn and Whitt, the defense ranked among the league's top units in sacks (as a team, 47 total) and turnovers forced, a significant leap from their 2023 performance, with Fowler's contributions helping establish a more disruptive front. Following the season, Fowler entered free agency and signed a one-year deal worth up to $8 million with the on March 14, 2025, citing familiarity with the organization and a desire to return to a known environment after his productive stint in Washington.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint, 2025)

On March 14, 2025, Dante Fowler signed a one-year worth $8 million with the , returning to the team after spending the 2024 season with the . The move came in the wake of DeMarcus Lawrence's departure in free agency, positioning Fowler as a key rotational to bolster the defensive line under new . Fowler expressed motivation driven by a "chip on his shoulder," aiming to prove himself in a redemption arc following his previous stint with . Through ten games in the 2025 season as of November 19, 2025, Fowler appeared in all contests, recording 2 sacks, 7 solo tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and 3 tackles for loss while serving in a rotational role on the edge. His contributions included a sack against the in Week 5 and another in the Week 9 matchup versus the , where he also added a tackle for loss. During , Fowler highlighted the emphasis on discipline under head coach , noting it as a factor in his preparation for a more structured defensive scheme. A notable event occurred on November 3, 2025, during the ' game against the Cardinals, when Fowler suffered a injury early in the first quarter, briefly exiting before returning later in the contest. The injury has required ongoing management, with Fowler limited in practice but avoiding missed games through Week 10. As of November 19, 2025, with the holding a 5-5 record and second place in the behind the , Fowler and the team are focused on a late-season playoff push amid a competitive division race. His experience from the prior year with Washington has provided continuity in transitioning back to Dallas's system.

Career statistics

Regular season

Dante Fowler's regular season career in the spans from 2016 to 2025, during which he has established himself as a versatile , primarily playing as a (DE) and outside linebacker (OLB). After missing his entire year in 2015 due to injury, Fowler debuted with the in 2016, initially in a rotational role before evolving into a more consistent pass-rushing threat across multiple teams. His progression is marked by early limited production, peaking in seasons like 2019 and 2024 with double-digit sacks, and reflecting improved technique and utilization in defensive schemes. The following table summarizes Fowler's key regular season defensive statistics year by year, including games played (G and GS for starts), combined tackles (with solo and assisted breakdowns), sacks, tackles for loss (TFL), forced fumbles (FF), and interceptions (INT). Data excludes fumble recoveries, which total five across his career.
YearTeamGGSSoloAstCombSacksTFLFFINT
2016JAX161239324.0600
2017JAX160183218.0720
20182TM156237304.0520
2019LAR161440185811.51620
2020ATL14131211233.0410
2021ATL1462115364.5630
2022DAL170225276.0720
2023DAL17085134.0510
2024WAS17725143910.51421
2025DAL1087292.0300
Career-152551998928857.573151
Through ten games in the 2025 season with the , Fowler has recorded 9 combined tackles and 2.0 sacks, contributing to his ongoing role as a situational pass rusher. Career totals as of Week 11, 2025, include 199 solo tackles, 89 assists (for 288 combined), 57.5 sacks, 73 tackles for loss, 15 forced , 5 recoveries, and 1 . Fowler's snap counts have varied by team and scheme, often exceeding 50% as an edge defender in base and packages, with advanced metrics highlighting his pass-rush win rate improving from around 12% in early seasons to over 16% in peak years like and , per data. This evolution underscores his transition from a raw, low-volume rookie (4.0 sacks in 2016 across 16 games) to a reliable 5+ sack producer in most seasons post-2017, particularly when deployed in aggressive 4-3 fronts. His regular-season form has occasionally extended into postseason play, where he has added supplemental production.

Postseason

Fowler has appeared in 12 postseason games across his NFL career, accumulating 23 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, and no forced fumbles. His playoff contributions have been most notable during his time with the and , where he recorded all of his postseason sacks, though his overall impact has been limited in later appearances with the and .

Breakdown by Team

Fowler's postseason debut came with the Jaguars in the 2017 playoffs, where he played all three games during their run to the AFC Championship. In the Wild Card win over the , he recorded 1 tackle. Against the in the Divisional Round, he added 1 tackle and 1 pass defensed, contributing to the Jaguars' 45–42 upset victory. His most productive game was the AFC Championship loss to the , with 3 tackles and 2 sacks on . With the in 2018, Fowler participated in all three playoff contests en route to . In the Divisional Round victory over the Cowboys, he tallied 3 tackles and 1 sack on . The NFC Championship win against the saw him notch 5 tackles and share a sack with safety John Johnson III. In the loss to the Patriots, Fowler had 4 tackles but no sacks, aiding in the defensive effort that limited to 62 rushing yards. Fowler's playoff exposure with the Cowboys was less productive. In 2022, he played two games: 1 tackle in the Wild Card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and no statistics in the Divisional Round loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The following year, in 2023, he appeared in one game, the Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers, with no recorded statistics. In 2024 with the Commanders, Fowler played in three playoff games during their postseason run. He recorded 1 tackle in the Wild Card win over the Buccaneers, 3 tackles in the Divisional Round win over the Detroit Lions, and 1 tackle in the conference championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with no sacks in any of these contests. As of November 2025, Fowler has not appeared in any 2025 postseason games with the Cowboys, as the regular season remains ongoing.
YearTeamGamesTacklesSacksFF
2017JAX352.00
2018LAR3121.50
2022DAL210.00
2023DAL100.00
2024WAS350.00
Career-12233.50

Notable Performances

Fowler's standout playoff moment occurred in the 2017 , where his two sacks on helped the Jaguars build a 10–9 halftime lead before falling short in a 24–20 defeat; these pressures disrupted New England's rhythm early. In , despite the ' 13–3 loss, Fowler's four tackles were part of a defensive front that effectively contained the Patriots' run game, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry. His sack in the 2018 Divisional Round game against his future team, , contributed to a 30–22 victory that propelled forward.

Personal life

Family

Dante Fowler is married to Daniela Fowler, and together they have three sons: D'angelo, Dax, and Daniel. Throughout his NFL career, Fowler has prioritized balancing his professional commitments with fatherhood, such as when he briefly left the ' practice in 2018 to attend the birth of his second son, D'angelo, in before returning for a game against the . This dedication to family milestones underscores his efforts to maintain a strong home life amid the demands of the league. Fowler's approach to parenting draws inspiration from his own upbringing. His parents, Dante Sr. and Lanora, instilled core principles that continue to shape his responsibilities as a husband and father as of 2025.

Off-field activities

Fowler attended the from 2012 to 2015 as a student-athlete majoring in telecommunications , though he declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year without completing his degree. In July 2017, while with the , Fowler was arrested in , on misdemeanor charges of simple battery and criminal stemming from an altercation in a bar parking lot where he allegedly struck a man and damaged property. The charges were dropped in December 2017 after he successfully completed a for first-time offenders. Fowler maintains an active presence, with over 100,000 followers on under the handle @6ixxg.o.d, where he posts about his career, family moments, and motivational content, and on X (formerly ) as @dantefowler. He has appeared in NFL promotional materials and secured endorsement deals, including with , generating approximately $200,000 in annual endorsement income as of recent estimates. Fowler has engaged in through NFL initiatives, notably participating in the league's My Cause My Cleats campaign in 2018 to raise awareness for cancer support via the . In 2025, during training camp, he emphasized the value of discipline and consistent preparation under head coach , crediting it for his ongoing development.

References

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