Chad Owens Sr. (born April 3, 1982) is an American former professional football wide receiver and kick returner. He has left an indelible mark on both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Owens' journey from a versatile high school athlete in Honolulu to a celebrated CFL Hall of Famer is a testament to his drive, determination, and passion for sports.
Owens' versatility and athletic prowess were evident early on. He excelled in football, basketball, and track at Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. In football, he earned all-OIA white division selection as a senior, along with an All-State honourable mention. As a sophomore, he garnered first-team All-OIA Red Division honours, and All-State honourable-mention accolades. He also led his basketball team to the OIA state championship as a senior.
He has three children: Chad Jr., Areana, and Sierra-Lynn with his wife, Rena Owens.
Chad Owens in 2023
Collegiate Career at the University of Hawaii
Owens became a bigger star after joining the University of Hawaii football team as a wide receiver, punt returner and kick returner. He became the featured receiver in June Jones's Run & Shoot Offence, and became the number one receiver for quarterback Timmy Chang.
NFL and Arena Football League
Owens was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL draft. However, his NFL debut was short-lived, as he was cut by the Jaguars after muffing three punts in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Subsequently, Owens signed with agent Richard "Bruno" Burnoski and joined the Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League.
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Canadian Football League (CFL) Career
Owens found his stride in the CFL, where he played for nine years and became one of the league's most dynamic players. He spent six seasons playing for the Toronto Argonauts and was also a member of the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Montreal Alouettes
On July 14, 2009, Owens signed a practice roster agreement with the Montreal Alouettes. He was released on October 1.
Toronto Argonauts
Owens achieved remarkable success with the Toronto Argonauts, earning numerous accolades and setting records. On November 25, 2010, Owens was named the most outstanding special teams player in the Canadian Football League for the 2010 season. Owens was a unanimous selection after leading the CFL in punt, kickoff, missed field goal returns and all-purpose yards and finishing tied for the league lead in return touchdowns (four).
On November 1, 2012, in the final regular-season game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Owens set the all-time record for all-purpose yards in a single season, surpassing Pinball Clemons' 1997 total of 3,840 yards. Owens did so with a 29-yard kickoff return halfway through the 2nd quarter. He finished the season with 3863 all-purpose yards, setting not only a CFL record, but also a professional football record as well.
On November 22, 2012, Owens won the CFL Most Outstanding Player Award finishing ahead of Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada as well as the eight CFL head coaches. On November 25, 2012, Owens and the Argonauts finished the 2012 season with the 100th Grey Cup Championship. On June 8, 2013, the Argos and Owens agreed to a two-year contract extension.
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Later CFL Years
Owens' CFL career continued with stints at the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders:
- Montreal Alouettes: Signed a practice roster agreement on July 14, 2009, but was later released.
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Owens later joined the Tiger-Cats.
- Saskatchewan Roughriders: Signed with Saskatchewan on February 15, 2017. However, his time with the Roughriders was hampered by injuries.
Despite these challenges, Owens remained a respected figure in the CFL, known for his talent and work ethic.
Chad Owens 2010 Highlights
CFL Statistics
Here is a summary of Chad Owens' key statistics in the CFL:
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Yards (Single Season Record) | 3,863 |
| Most Outstanding Special Teams Player | 2010 |
| CFL Most Outstanding Player Award | 2012 |
| Grey Cup Championship | 2012 |
MMA and Bodybuilding Pursuits
In the off-season following the 2012 CFL season, Owens decided to pursue MMA as a form of off-season training. Then Argos GM Jim Barker openly expressed his displeasure with Owens's fighting in MMA, and was quoted as saying, "I think he's making a bad decision, our organization thinks he's making a bad decision". On April 6, 2013, Owens defeated Junya Tevaga by unanimous decision in an amateur bout.
Owens also competes in Bodybuilding and was the 2022 Men's Physique Overall Champion at the Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic.
Read also: "Married to Evil": Chad Graves
Hall of Fame Induction
Owens was announced as a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame 2024 class on May 3, 2024 and inducted on September 14, 2024 at Tim Hortons Field.
Personal Life
In January 2015, Owens moved from Hawaii to Canada full-time; but has now relocated back to his home of Oahu (Honolulu),Hawai'i.
Reflecting on his journey, Owens emphasizes the importance of family, perseverance, and a positive mindset. He aims to inspire others through his example, demonstrating that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
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