Joe Tarrod Bowden, III (born February 25, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys.
[2] He gained All-American honors as a senior, while registering 127 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns).
In 1996, Bowden started 16 games at left linebacker, making 73 tackles (fifth on the team), with three sacks, six passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
In 1998, with the signing of Robinson, Bowden took over the middle linebacker starting position, replacing Barron Wortham.
He recorded 145 tackles (led the team), 1.5 sacks, six quarterback pressures, three passes defended, one interception and two fumble recoveries.
In 1999, Wortham regained his starting position and Bowden moved to left linebacker, during the Super Bowl XXXIV run.
[4] Following the signing of Randall Godfrey in free agency and the drafting of Keith Bullock, Bowden became expendable and was not re-signed.
On May 3, 2000, the Dallas Cowboys had a lot of turnover at the linebacker position and the signing of Bowden in free agency was one of the moves made to improve the depth.