Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mel Owens
Discover the career path of Mel Owens, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Mel Owens is a former American professional football player, primarily known for his career as a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Michigan from 1976-1980. Drafted in the first round by the Rams in 1981, Owens played nine seasons, amassing 26.5 sacks. Following his football career, Owens transitioned into a career as a sports lawyer in Laguna Hills, California.
1976: Enrolled at University of Michigan
In 1976, Mel Owens enrolled at the University of Michigan and played college football.
1977: Stopped Two Fourth-Down Plays
In 1977, Owens stopped two fourth-down plays against Ohio State, contributing to Michigan winning the Big Ten Conference championship and advancing to the Rose Bowl.
1978: Played in Rose Bowl
In 1978, Mel Owens played in the Rose Bowl as part of his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.
1978: Injured Against Notre Dame
In 1978, Owens started the first two games but was injured in the second game against Notre Dame.
1979: Played in Gator Bowl
In 1979, Mel Owens played in the Gator Bowl during his time at the University of Michigan.
1979: Started All 12 Games
In 1979, Owens started all 12 games as an outside linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines, recording 42 tackles and 26 assists, and starred in the Michigan State game.
1980: Played College Football
From 1976 to 1980, Owens played college football for the Michigan Wolverines.
1980: College Football Career
In 1980, Mel Owens finished playing college football at the University of Michigan.
1980: All-Big Ten Conference Selection
In 1980, Owens started 11 games, tallied 52 solo tackles, 37 assists, and an interception, and was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten Conference player.
July 1981: Signed with Los Angeles Rams
In late July 1981, after a brief holdout, Owens signed a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams worth $175,000 per season.
1981: Played Mostly on Special Teams
In 1981, Mel Owens mostly played on special teams for the Los Angeles Rams.
1981: Played in Rose Bowl
In 1981, Mel Owens played in the Rose Bowl, concluding his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.
1981: NFL Draft
In 1981, Mel Owens was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round as the ninth overall pick.
1982: First Start Against Los Angeles Raiders
In 1982, Owens made his first start against the Los Angeles Raiders, recording 10 tackles before a knee injury sidelined him.
1983: Started Every Non-Strike Game
From 1983 through 1987, Owens started every non-strike game for the Rams.
1983: Became a Full-Time Starter
In 1983, Owens became a full-time starter for the Rams, recording 83 tackles and four sacks.
1984: Third in Tackles for Rams Defense
In 1984, Owens was third in tackles with 79 and 3.5 sacks, an interception along with three fumbles recovered and a forced fumble.
1985: Contributed Nine Sacks
In 1985, Owens contributed nine sacks for the Rams, ranking third on the team, while also recording 68 tackles.
1986: Named NFC Defensive Player of the Week
In 1986, Owens was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week and earned honorable mention All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press.
1987: Started Every Non-Strike Game
From 1983 through 1987, Owens started every non-strike game for the Rams.
1988: Ankle Injury
In 1988, Owens suffered an ankle injury that limited him to seven games.
1989: Switched to Inside Linebacker
In 1989, Owens was switched to inside linebacker and played all 16 games.
2003: Admitted to the State Bar of California
In 2003, Owens was admitted to the State Bar of California.
2006: Founding Partner of Namanny, Byrne & Owens
In 2006, Owens became a founding partner of Namanny, Byrne & Owens in Laguna Hills, California.
2013: Lead Attorney in Brain-Injury Lawsuit
In 2013, Owens was one of the lead attorneys in a brain-injury lawsuit by professional ice hockey players against the National Hockey League (NHL).
April 2025: Star in The Golden Bachelor
In April 2025, ABC announced that Owens would star in season 2 of its reality dating show The Golden Bachelor.
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