Tay Gowan

PRO: The Titans signed Tay Gowan to the Titans' practice squad during the 2023 season. The 6-foot-2-inch, 185-pound defender brings depth and length to the cornerback position. The Covington, Ga., native was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of 2021 NFL Draft but was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles midway through his rookie campaign. Gowan appeared in two games with the Eagles before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:  
•    In 2019, Pro Football Focus gave Gowan an 80.1 coverage grade after he gave up just 20 receptions on 50 targets at Central Florida. According to the ratings site, his 26.6 passer rating allowed in single coverage in 2019 was the best in the nation.

TITANS TIDBITS:  
•    Gowan's driving force for his decision to opt out of his final year at Central Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic was his daughter, Skylar, who was born prematurely at just two pounds. He took action to not risk exposing her while navigating the unknown of the virus. 
•    Gowan was one of five Central Florida players, and one of three defensive backs selected in the 2021 Draft. Both marks set school records for a single draft.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:  
•    The Covington, Ga., native was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round (223rd overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
•    Traded by the Cardinals along with a 2022 fifth round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for tight end Zach Ertz on Oct. 15, 2021. 
•    Waived by the Eagles on Aug. 30, 2022. 
•    Signed by the Minnesota Vikings to the team's practice squad on Sept. 1, 2022. 
•    Activated from the Vikings practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Nov. 19, 2022. 
•    Activated from the Vikings practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Nov. 24, 2022. 
•    Activated from the Vikings practice squad to the active roster standard elevation on Dec. 10, 2022. 
•    Signed by the Vikings to a future's contract on Jan. 16, 2023. 
•    Waived by the Vikings on Sept. 7, 2023. 
•    Signed by the Titans to the team's practice squad on Oct. 9, 2023.

COLLEGE: 
•    Began his collegiate career at University of Miami (Ohio) (2016-2017), before transferring to Butler Community College (2018).  Finished his collegiate career at University of Central Florida (2019). In three seasons, played in 24 games and totaled 59 tackles, eight interceptions, 12 passes defensed, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. 
•    As a senior (2020), opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
•    As a junior (2019), transferred to Central Florida and played in 12 of 13 games, starting nine at cornerback. Tallied 31 tackles, two interceptions, eight passes defensed, a fumble recovery and a tackle for loss. Named second team All-American Conference by Pro Football Focus. 
•    As a sophomore (2018), transferred to Butler Community College and finished the season with 27 tackles, six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown and four passes defensed. Earned first team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College honors 
•    As a redshirt freshman (2017), appeared in three games at Miami (Ohio)and recorded a tackle. 
•    As a freshman (2016), redshirted. 
•    Majored in interdisciplinary studies at University of Central Florida.

PERSONAL:  
•    Attended Newton (Ga.) High School. Was a team captain and earned first team All-State as a senior. 
•    As a senior (2015), posted four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. 
•    Follow Gowan on Twitter at @focused_4
•    Son of Linda Gowan and is the oldest of four children. 
•    Born Quentadrian Gowan on Jan. 7, 1998 in Covington, Ga.