History of Mel Owens in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 16, 2025

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 7, 1958: Mel Owens Born

On December 7, 1958, Mel Tyrae Owens was born. He later became a linebacker in the NFL.

1958: Mel Owens Born in Detroit, Michigan

In 1958, Mel Owens was born in Detroit, Michigan. His father, Walter Owens, played professional baseball.

1975: Most Valuable Player for Basketball Team

In 1975, Owens was selected as the basketball team's most valuable player after tallying 254 rebounds and 329 points.

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: Practiced Development of Extrasensory Perception

According to a 1984 Los Angeles Times profile, Owens practiced the development of extrasensory perception (ESP).

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.

1984: Traveled to Egypt

In the 1984 off-season, Owens traveled to Egypt.

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.

1987: Off-Season Activities

In the 1987 off-season, Owens ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain and competed in the Los Angeles Marathon.

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.

May 2002: Married Fabiana Pimentel

In May 2002, Owens married Brazilian-born businesswoman Fabiana Pimentel.

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).

January 20, 2014: Recognition in The Hockey News

On January 20, 2014, Owens gained recognition as No. 28 in The Hockey News’ Top 100 People of Power & Influence in the sport.

February 2020: Divorce Filed

In February 2020, Pimentel filed for divorce from Owens, citing irreconcilable differences.

December 2024: Divorce Finalized

In December 2024, the divorce between Owens and Pimentel was finalized.

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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