Chad Owens Sr., born on April 3, 1982, is an American former professional football wide receiver and kick returner. He has had a remarkable career spanning both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Owens' journey from a three-sport star in high school to a CFL Hall of Famer is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Early Life and High School Career
Owens attended Roosevelt High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. In football, he earned All-OIA White Division honors as a senior and All-State honorable mention. As a sophomore, he received first-team All-OIA Red Division honors and All-State honorable-mention accolades. He also led his basketball team to the OIA state championship as a senior.
College Football at 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 the number one receiver for quarterback Timmy Chang.
NFL and Arena Football League
He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL draft. However, Owens was cut by the Jaguars after his NFL debut against the Indianapolis Colts. Following his brief stint in the NFL, Owens signed with the Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League.
Canadian Football League Career
Owens spent six seasons playing for the Toronto Argonauts and was also a member of the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Saskatchewan Roughriders. On July 14, 2009, Owens signed a practice roster agreement with the Montreal Alouettes. He was released on October 1.
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Most Outstanding Special Teams Player
On November 25, 2010, Owens was named the most outstanding special teams player in the Canadian Football League for the 2010 season. He 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).
Record-Breaking Season
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.
Goodbye Toronto | Chad Owens | Short Film | BMPCC4K
CFL Most Outstanding Player Award and Grey Cup Championship
On November 22, 2012, Owens won the CFL Most Outstanding Player Award, finishing ahead of Calgary Stampeders running back Jon Cornish. On November 25, 2012, Owens and the Argonauts finished the 2012 season with the 100th Grey Cup Championship.
Contract Extension and Hall of Fame Induction
On June 8, 2013, the Argos and Owens agreed to a two-year contract extension. 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.
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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. 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.
Personal Life
He has three children: Chad Jr., Areana, and Sierra-Lynn with his wife, Rena Owens. In January 2015, Owens moved from Hawaii to Canada full-time but has now relocated back to his home of Oahu (Honolulu), Hawai'i.
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| CFL Most Outstanding Special Teams Player | 2010 |
| Set CFL record for all-purpose yards in a single season | 2012 |
| CFL Most Outstanding Player Award | 2012 |
| Grey Cup Championship | 2012 |
| Canadian Football Hall of Fame Inductee | 2024 |
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