Bowen attended and played college football at Iowa State. During his junior year, he recorded 155 tackles (finishing first in the nation),[2] one interception, and one fumble recovery. During his senior season, Bowen recorded 99 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
Buffalo Bills
Bowen was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round (147th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft.[3] During training camp on August 1, Bowen suffered a serious knee injury. He was waived/injured on August 7 and subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve.
He was released by the Bills on September 5, 2009. He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 6, and was released on September 22.
He was on the team again for weeks 13–17[4] due to the Bills suffering a string of injuries to their linebackers. Linebackers Paul Posluzny, Marcus Buggs, Kawika Mitchell and Keith Ellison all missed time due to injury.[5]
Washington Redskins
Bowen was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad on September 24. He was later promoted to the active roster on November 30, 2009. After one season, he was released from the Redskins on June 9, 2010.
Seattle Seahawks
Bowen signed with the Seattle Seahawks on August 7, 2010. He was waived on August 17.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Bowen signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 20, 2010. He was released on September 4. He was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was signed from the practice squad on September 19 and waived on September 28. He was re-signed to the practice squad on September 30.
On August 13, 2011, Bowen was waived by the Jaguars.
Denver Broncos
On August 15, 2011, he was claimed off waivers by the Denver Broncos.