Tashawn Bower: From LSU to UFL Stardom with the Houston Roughnecks

Tashawn Bower’s football journey is a story of perseverance, evolution, and resurgence. From his days as a promising edge rusher at LSU, to navigating the volatile terrain of NFL rosters, and now becoming a cornerstone for the Houston Roughnecks in the United Football League (UFL), Bower has demonstrated resilience and an unwavering passion for the game. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 250 pounds, Bower’s physicality, experience, and leadership have made him a game-changer in Houston, where he’s playing some of the best football of his professional career.

This is a closer look at Bower’s path through college and professional football, his transition to the UFL, and the transformative impact he’s having on the Houston Roughnecks.

Early Years and LSU Career

Tashawn Bower was born in Livingston, New Jersey, and quickly established himself as a standout high school football player. Rated as a four-star recruit by most major services, Bower was sought after by powerhouse programs and ultimately committed to Louisiana State University (LSU). Joining the Tigers in 2013, Bower became part of a defensive tradition that had produced NFL stars like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Danielle Hunter.

At LSU, Bower developed slowly but steadily, earning reps in a crowded and highly talented defensive rotation. While he never had a breakout statistical season, his physical traits and high football IQ were evident to coaches and scouts. Over four seasons, Bower amassed 60 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, serving primarily as a rotational pass rusher.

His signature moment came in the 2016 Citrus Bowl against Louisville and quarterback Lamar Jackson. Bower had a breakout performance, recording 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, helping LSU dominate the eventual Heisman Trophy winner. That game put him on the radar for NFL teams and gave a glimpse of the potential that had long been bubbling beneath the surface.

NFL Journey: Battling Through the Ranks

Despite his strong finish at LSU, Bower went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Minnesota Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent, and he quickly impressed during training camp with his athleticism and work ethic. He made the team’s active roster and recorded a sack in his NFL debut. For an undrafted rookie, this was a major milestone.

Unfortunately, Bower’s NFL career would be marked by injuries and inconsistencies. He spent time with several franchises—including the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants—often bouncing between practice squads and active rosters. He showed flashes of brilliance, particularly as a situational pass rusher, but never found a long-term home in the NFL.

By 2023, Bower had logged 23 total tackles and 2 sacks in the NFL. While his stat line wasn’t eye-popping, it didn’t tell the full story. Bower had grown as a technician, developed a deeper understanding of defensive schemes, and learned how to lead both vocally and by example. These intangibles would become critical in his next chapter.

UFL Opportunity: A New League, A New Beginning

In 2024, the newly restructured United Football League (UFL) began drawing attention as a spring football league offering players a second chance to compete and showcase their skills. For players like Bower, it was an opportunity to reboot their careers and prove they could still contribute at a high level.

The Houston Roughnecks, looking to build a defense that could dominate in a league with high-scoring offenses, signed Bower to bring experience and leadership to their defensive front. From the start, it was clear that Bower had something to prove—and the fire to back it up.

Impact with the Houston Roughnecks

Since arriving in Houston, Tashawn Bower has been a revelation. In a league filled with younger, less experienced players, his NFL-caliber strength and instincts immediately stood out. He quickly became the Roughnecks’ top pass rusher, regularly pressuring quarterbacks and disrupting backfields. But beyond the box score, Bower has transformed the defensive identity of the team.

1. Dominant Edge Play

One of Bower’s most valuable traits is his versatility. He’s equally comfortable lining up in a two-point stance or with his hand in the dirt. His ability to convert speed to power makes him difficult to block one-on-one, and he has developed a more refined set of pass-rushing moves over the years, including a nasty rip move and a reliable spin.

In the UFL, where offensive lines can struggle with cohesion, Bower’s experience and technique have made him one of the most feared edge defenders. In just the first half of the 2025 UFL season, Bower leads the Roughnecks in sacks and quarterback hurries, and he’s among the league leaders in tackles for loss.

2. Run Defense and Physicality

What separates Bower from many pure pass rushers is his commitment to defending the run. His size allows him to anchor the edge, and he excels at diagnosing plays and shedding blocks to make stops in the backfield. This all-around ability has made him a true three-down defensive end—someone who doesn’t have to leave the field in any situation.

His presence on early downs forces opposing offenses to reconsider their run/pass balance, often shifting protections his way or using tight ends to help block. This opens up lanes for his teammates and enhances the overall effectiveness of the defense.

3. Leadership and Mentorship

Perhaps the most underrated part of Bower’s contribution to the Roughnecks is his role as a mentor. As a veteran with NFL experience, younger players naturally gravitate toward him for guidance. Bower has embraced this responsibility, often staying late after practice to work with rookies or reviewing film with linebackers and defensive linemen.

Coaches have praised his attitude and professionalism, noting that his approach has raised the standard for the entire defense. The younger players now have a blueprint for how to prepare, compete, and handle adversity.

The Bigger Picture: Bower and the UFL’s Growth

Tashawn Bower’s success is emblematic of what the UFL hopes to achieve: providing a platform for talented players who need the right opportunity to shine. For Bower, the UFL isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a proving ground where he’s reasserting his value as a premier defensive talent.

The league benefits, too. Having players like Bower with real NFL experience elevates the level of competition and gives fans more recognizable names to root for. His presence also legitimizes the Roughnecks’ defense as one of the best in the league.

Should the UFL continue to grow, Bower could become one of its foundational stars—someone whose story helps promote the league’s mission and attract future players looking for their second shot.

What’s Next for Tashawn Bower?

While the future is always uncertain in professional football, Bower has made it clear that he still has the drive and ability to play at a high level. His performance in the UFL could potentially open the door to an NFL return, especially for teams looking for experienced depth at defensive end.

But even if that opportunity doesn’t materialize, Bower appears fully committed to thriving in the UFL. In Houston, he has found a role that maximizes his talents, values his leadership, and allows him to play the game he loves.

Looking ahead, Bower will likely be a central figure in the Roughnecks’ playoff push. His production, leadership, and durability will be crucial as the team seeks a UFL championship. And whether he’s chasing quarterbacks or mentoring rookies, Tashawn Bower will continue to be a force.

A Story of Resilience and Redemption

Tashawn Bower’s football story isn’t about instant stardom or viral highlights—it’s about grinding, growing, and seizing opportunities. From a four-star recruit at LSU to an undrafted NFL player, and now a defensive cornerstone for the Houston Roughnecks, Bower has proven that talent combined with tenacity can lead to greatness, even in the face of setbacks.

His journey is a reminder that football careers don’t follow a single path. Sometimes the road winds through practice squads and injuries. Sometimes it detours into new leagues and unfamiliar cities. But for those who stay the course—who keep grinding—success is still very much within reach.

In Houston, Tashawn Bower isn’t just playing football. He’s redefining it—on his terms, with a team that believes in him. And that might just be the most powerful part of his journey yet.