The DC Defenders announce the addition of Lynn Bowden Jr. to their roster as a running back for the 2024 UFL season. This position shift marks a return to Bowden’s collegiate roots at Kentucky, where he demonstrated rushing capabilities.
Bowden’s NFL tenure spans four seasons with three teams. His most notable stretch came with the Miami Dolphins in 2020, where he caught 28 passes for 211 yards and added 32 rushing yards on nine carries. During his 2023 season with the New Orleans Saints, he appeared in 15 games, recording 11 receptions for 83 yards and five carries for 32 yards.
NFL Career Numbers:
- Games: 26 (Seven as starter across four seasons)
- Receiving: 39 catches for 294 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per reception
- Rushing: 14 carries for 64 yards, with a career-long run of 29 yards
- Teams: Miami Dolphins (2020-21), New England Patriots (2022), New Orleans Saints (2023)
His college career at Kentucky showcased his versatility. In 2019, he transitioned to quarterback due to team injuries, rushing for 1,468 yards and 13 touchdowns. This performance earned him the Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player.
Kentucky College Statistics:
- Rushing: 1,530 yards on 206 carries across three seasons
- Receiving: 1,303 yards on 114 catches with five touchdowns
- Passing: 403 yards with three touchdowns as emergency quarterback
- Returns: 1,408 yards on kick returns, plus 146 yards and two scores on punt returns
Draft Background:
- Selected in the third round (80th overall) by the Las Vegas Raiders
- Traded to Miami Dolphins before playing a regular season game
- Transitioned between practice squads and active rosters with Patriots and Saints
The Defenders’ decision to list Bowden as a running back mirrors his successful collegiate position switch. In 2019 at Kentucky, he averaged 7.9 yards per carry and led the SEC in rushing yards, displaying the skills DC aims to utilize in their backfield.y and led the SEC in rushing yards, displaying the skills DC aims to utilize in their backfield.
Abram Smith is set to return to the Defenders in 2025. He was the XFL’s top running back in 2023, with 788 rushing yards and 7 TD’s. Smith missed the 2024 UFL season after he tore his ACL in Training Camp.
