He collected 211 tackles and was selected as the Mid-American Conference Lineman of the Year in his junior and senior seasons at Western Michigan.
In 1966, Rowe was named second-team All-America by the Associated Press and played in the East-West Shrine Bowl and College All-Star Game.
[3] Rowe was a 2nd round selection (43rd overall pick) in the 1967 NFL/AFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.
He played 9 seasons (1967–1975) in the NFL, all for the Cardinals, and his 54.5 sacks rank fifth in franchise history.
[4] One of Rowe's career highlights was blocking three Jim O'Brien field goals in the Cardinals' 10-3 win over the Baltimore Colts in the 1972 NFL season opener.