The Washington Commanders have had a renaissance season this year after going 4-13 in 2023. While Jayden Daniels is a big part of the resurgence, former Florida Football star Dante Fowler has had a role in bolstering the defense.
Last night, in their upset win over the Detroit Lions, Fowler set the tone early with a huge tackle for loss.
Florida Football: Lay The Boom
Fowler didn't have any sacks last night after getting 10.5 during the regular season, but he did make his presence felt right from the jump. On Detroit's first offensive drive, the Lions faced 2nd and 8 and tried to run the ball with David Montgomery.
Fowler blasted into the backfield to tackle Montgomery for a five-yard loss. Fowler finished the night with three total tackles as Washington went on to win 45-31.
You can view the highlight on YouTube here.
Fowler came to Florida as a five-star prospect out of St. Pete in 2012. He declared for the NFL Draft in 2014 after three years with the Gators, earning multiple All-American and All-SEC honors while serving as a team captain. Over those three seasons, he consistently led his team in tackles-for-loss, sacks, and quarterback hurries. In 2014, he had 8.5 sacks and 60 total tackles.
Fowler went third overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft but tore his ACL during mini-camp. He made his formal NFL debut in 2016 and has since bounced around to the Rams, Falcons, and Cowboys before landing with the Commanders this year,
He has 55 career sacks and 279 career tackles over his NFL career.