Rowe attended Robert McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada and led his team to the 2001 state title game, his only season as the starter, throwing for 2,059 yards and 27 touchdowns.
In 2003, Rowe was named the most improved offensive back during spring drills and became the team's starter before suffering a shoulder injury early in the year.
Rowe was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2007 NFL draft and spent his rookie season as the team's third-string quarterback behind Carson Palmer and Ryan Fitzpatrick, but did not see any playing time.
Rowe began the 2008 season on the team's practice squad and remained there until being signed by the Seattle Seahawks on December 12.
Rowe was signed by the Seattle Seahawks on December 16, 2008 after offensive tackle Walter Jones was placed on injured reserve.