Tim Bowens selected to the Miami Dolphins' Ring of Honor

The Miami Dolphins announced today that former defensive tackle Tim Bowens has been selected as the 28th member of the team's Ring of Honor. Bowens, the first addition to the prestigious group in 10 years, will be formally inducted into the Ring of Honor the final weekend of October, when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals, with a special halftime ceremony.

"Tim Bowens was the epitome of a team player who performed at an elite level for a long period of time, allowing both his teammates and the Miami Dolphins to be successful," said Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Dolphins. "From the day he was drafted until the day he retired, Tim was a warrior in the trenches. His selfless, dependable and physical style of play is a big reason why his teammates also found success, most notably Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, who are now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are excited to recognize Tim later this season and cement him where he belongs, among the all-time greats in Miami Dolphins history."

Bowens played his entire 11-year NFL career with Miami from 1994-2004. His toughness and durability were remarkable at one of the game's most physical positions.

Bowens' 157 games played are 14th-most in Dolphins history. His 155 career starts rank sixth in team history and are the most by an interior defensive lineman. Bowens played 104 straight games between the 1994 and 2000 seasons, which is tied for the 10th-longest streak by a Dolphin. His 92 consecutive games started between 1994 and 1999 is the fifth-longest streak in team history.

Drafted 20th overall by Miami in the 1994 NFL Draft, Bowens made an immediate impact. He started as a rookie in Week 1 and won the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season.

Bowens totaled 407 career tackles (296 solo) and 22.0 sacks as an interior defensive lineman. He had nine forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, one interception and 21 passes defensed.

He was selected to two Pro Bowls following the 1998 and 2002 seasons. Bowens was added to the franchise's Walk of Fame in 2012 and named to the Miami Dolphins 50th Season All-Time Team in 2015.

The Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor, formerly known as the Honor Roll, was introduced in 1990 to honor the franchise's greatest players and contributors who had a meaningful impact on team success for a sustained period of time. Members are selected based on achievement, longevity and character.

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Bowens' athletic prowess was first recognized when he earned All-District honors in football as a junior at Okolona High School before grabbing the spotlight by leading the Chieftains to an 11-2 record and the Class 2A North State championship game while earning All-State and All-District honors as a senior.

As a freshman at ICC, Bowens helped lead the Indians to a 7-2-1 record. In his final season, the Indians wrapped up the regular season with an 8-2 record and advanced to the MACJC Championship game and played in the Mineral Water Bowl in Excelsior Springs, MO.

Bowens left his mark on the ICC football program by laying the ground work for future teams to build upon and raising the bar of expectation for what it means to wear the red and blue after being named a two-time MACJC All-State selection and NJCAA All-American. He was inducted into the ICC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and the MAC Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. 

After his two seasons in Fulton, Bowens kept his talents in North Mississippi and played for Coach Billy Brewer and the Ole Miss Rebels. Time started in seven games and play in nine to record 47 solo tackles, six assists, six sacks, five tackles for loss, four pass break-ups, one interception, and one fumble recovery.