An Interview with 7 year NFL veteran safety, Matt Bowen
Most recently with the Buffalo Bills, Bowen had one of his best seasons with the Washington Redskins in 2003 when he registered 85 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. Matt is a graduate of the University of Iowa and is currently one of the former players taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement benefit now available to retired players.
Matt Bowen had his sights set on determining his career path since the day he was drafted in 2001. Earning his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Iowa, he exemplified the true meaning of a student-athlete. In between focusing on academics and athletics, he found time to serve as a lead writer for the Daily Iowan, the University's student paper.
Playing for four different teams during his career, Bowen expanded on his journalism degree gaining employment with a newspaper publication in every NFL city he lived in. He wrote for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Washington Times, the D.C. Examiner, Pro Football Weekly and the Niagara Gazette.
For Bowen, returning to school for an advanced degree was never a question. He enrolled in graduate school for the 2007 fall semester at DePaul University and is now working towards earning a Masters Degree in writing. "All players in the league need to keep these types of things in the back of their mind as they progress through their NFL career. Going back to school is a great way to figure out where you want to be as a professional off the field, when you step away from the game," said Bowen. He also plans on gaining a Ph.D. in Sports Literature or Composition Theory, which will lead towards his ultimate goal of becoming a college professor. Similar to his passion for football, Bowen always knew that returning to school would be a part of the next chapter in his life.
When talking about his career decisions and educational game plan, he provided useful advice relevant to any current or former NFL player, When talking about his career decisions and educational game plan, he provided useful advice relevant to any current or former NFL player, "Besides the pure knowledge that I'm gaining from earning my master's degree I'll also have the opportunity to create invaluable relationships with classmates and professors. It's only natural for an NFL player to make the transition to becoming a 'regular Joe' once their playing career is over, and continuing your education is a great way to start." Bowen is still putting his journalism degree to use as he currently writes for the Chicago Sun Times providing insight and commentary after each Bears game.
