The walk-on who became an NFL emergency kicker
In short: Dare Ogunbowale’s journey to the NFL is a masterclass in persistence. From a walk-on cornerback at Wisconsin to a versatile pro, he spent years navigating the precarious world of practice squads before making history in a moment of crisis.
Ogunbowale's path to the NFL was defined by versatility and endurance. He began his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin as a walk-on cornerback. However, he eventually transitioned to running back, where he became a standout performer, accumulating over 2,000 total yards and 15 touchdowns. His leadership was recognized when he was voted team captain during his senior year. His early career even faced a bizarre hurdle: in 2014, Sports Illustrated mistakenly featured his photo in an article intended for teammate Melvin Gordon.
Entering the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Ogunbowale faced the grueling cycle of the NFL's practice squad. He moved between the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Redskins, often being waived and re-signed within days. This period of professional 'limbo' is a common but difficult reality for many athletes. It wasn't until his second stint with the Buccaneers that he secured a promotion to the active roster, eventually becoming a team captain in 2019.
Ogunbowale’s most unique contribution occurred during the 2022 season. While playing for the Houston Texans, an injury to starting kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn forced him into an emergency role. In the fourth quarter of a game against the Buccaneers, he successfully kicked a field goal. Following a 2004 success by Wes Welker, this achievement marked the initial time a non-designated kicker managed a regular season field goal conversion.
Today, Ogunbowale remains a reliable veteran for the Texans. After a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026, he returned to Houston. While his primary role often involves special teams, his ability to contribute on offense and his historic kicking moment highlight a career built on adapting to whatever the game demands.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dare Ogunbowale
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