Navarro Bowman was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers is where it all began for Navarro Bowman. In the 2010 NFL draft, Bowman was selected in the third round by the 49ers. Already thrilled he gets to play with legendary linebacker Patrick Willis, Bowman started his great career.
Bowman played eight great years with the 49ers. In this time he became a three-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro. He also won the Butkus award in 2013.
This great linebacker had the potential to be one of the best ever but he eventually had his setbacks.
In 2013, Bowman had his best season and helped the 49ers get to the NFC championship game. In the fourth quarter, he tore his MCL and ACL in his left knee. The injury caused him to miss all of the 2014 season.
After having another great year in 2015, Bowman tore his Achilles tendon in week four of the 2016 season. He missed the rest of 2016 because of the tear. The 49ers benched him a couple of weeks into the 2017 season. He was later was cut because they could not find a trade partner.
Later that season he was signed by the Oakland Raiders. He didn’t do well and was cut again. Due to the recent free agent signing of Bowman, he was able to retire as a 49er on June 4th.
Bowman ended his career filled with trials and retribution. He finished with 798 tackles and also had 14 sacks. Bowman was a physical specimen and was known to always follow through on his big hits. He created seven fumbles and had five fumble recoveries. From 2011 to 2015, he had an average of 140 tackles per season, and over 100 solo tackles in each season.
Bowman’s journey is special because it began and ended in the same place. It had its ups and downs. Hopefully, one day, we could see Navarro Bowman in the Hall Of Fame but that might be a long wait.
