Joe Owens (November 30, 1946 – September 30, 2013) was an American professional football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL).
Early life and education
Joe Owens was born on November 30, 1946. Details regarding his place of birth, family background, and secondary education are not comprehensively documented in widely available public sources.
College career
Owens played college football at Grambling State University, where he developed his skills as a defensive lineman. Precise statistics and honors from his collegiate tenure are not extensively recorded in mainstream reference works.
Professional career
Owens entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He began his professional career with the New Orleans Saints, where he played from 1970 to 1975. During his time with the Saints, Owens contributed primarily as a rotational defensive end and special‑teams participant.
In 1976, Owens signed with the Atlanta Falcons, remaining on their roster through the 1979 season. Over his NFL career, he appeared in a total of 101 regular‑season games and recorded 5.5 unofficial sacks, a statistic not officially tracked by the league until 1982.
Later life and death
Following his retirement from professional football, Owens lived a private life. Public records indicate that he resided in the state of Texas in his later years. He died on September 30, 2013, at the age of 66. The cause of death was not broadly reported in major news outlets.
Legacy
While not a Hall of Fame inductee, Owens is remembered by fans of the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons for his steady presence on the defensive line during the 1970s. His career reflects the role of undrafted players who forged lasting contributions in the NFL during that era.
Note: Information on Joe Owens' early life, post‑football activities, and detailed statistical records is limited in publicly accessible encyclopedic sources.
