By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Josh Bowen is a physically imposing 6’3” 215 pound specimen who just happens to play outside linebacker, a position made famous by Lawrence Taylor of the Super Bowl champions New York Football Giants, for the famed Dillard High Panthers. It is a position that requires strength, speed, agility, quickness, making one equally adept at rushing the passer or dropping in pass coverage. Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay’s Devin White personify those characteristics today. Combining his physical attributes with his intellectual maturation and knowledge of the game has positioned him for scholarship offers from Akron University in Ohio and Syracuse University and as the season progresses assuredly more offers will surface.
A deep dive into his psyche reveals a young man who aspires to greatness academically, athletically, morally and professionally. Josh views football/team sports as a brotherhood cloaked in love and sense of family where life lessons are learned, shaping future decisions and experiences. He thinks the team captain has the duel responsibility of leading by example while simultaneously being recognized as the hardest worker on the team. Winning, which brings happiness and joy, is why he competes, causing him take a serious, business approach to practice. The fun – he believes -comes later. His competitive philosophy can be summed up in his favorite quote: “Hard work beats out talent every time.”
Before games he likes to mentally prepare through meditation such as envisioning the serenity of a soothing mixture of fluffy blue and white clouds or the ebb and flow of ocean waves. However, there are games where something more palpable is required. That’s when he breaks out Kodak Black (This Life)! The contrast between pre, in and post game is shockingly stark. You obviously can’t take the human element out of sports, especially football. Josh admires his head coach, Tyler Tate, seeing him as the perfect role model because he leads by example and keeps it real. He also greatly appreciates the presence of his parents, Cedric Bowen and Sherry Robinson and his grandmother Sharon Hughes because they provide special motivation and support. He is because they are. He obviously loves the game, seeing the ultimate sacrifice when involved in team sports as time, the one thing you can’t get back.
Josh understands the responsibility of being a student/athlete and using it as personal inspiration because so many individuals admire, respect, and look up to him including his parents and siblings. Josh states, “ I must always try to set a good example as Coach Tate and my image of a team captain exemplify. Also, there are those waiting to see me fail so I will always aspire to do my best, stay discipline and focused, keeping my eyes on the prize”. Josh’s ultimate goal is to grow up, become a successful man of color, and raise his family in a safe, loving environment.
By all indications, he’s certainly on his way.
