The Green Bay Packers weren’t very active in free agency this year, which is nothing out of the ordinary. One of the additions that they made was signing safety Jonathan Owens, formerly of the Houston Texans, whose path to the Packers was a unique one.
Owens was an undrafted free agent out of Western Missouri when he latched on with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. However, a devastating knee injury ended his rookie season before it even got started, as he tore his ACL.
He worked tirelessly to get back on the field, as he was in the mix for a roster spot with the Cardinals in 2019. But, he fell just short of his goal as he was released during final cuts after the preseason finale.
Owens had reached a crossroads in his career; continue working out in hopes of realizing his career to play in the NFL or call it a career before he even got started? He opted for the former, which has led to him now being a part of the Packers’ roster.
“I knew it was what I was supposed to do,” Owens said. “I’m not going to say I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, but I felt this is really what God wanted me to do. I was here to play football and I knew I was good enough to play.”
After being released, Owens worked out across the street from the Cardinals facility. He would see former teammates going in and out for practice and meetings, which motivated him even more. After a few weeks, the Texans called and the rest has been history, as he is now battling for a starting spot in the Packers’ secondary.
“It was just about being patient and waiting for that opportunity and Houston gave me that opportunity on practice squad,” Owens said. “I was overjoyed to have that opportunity … and I’m still here, man, fighting. It was all part of the journey.”
Owens worked his way into the Texans lineup, going from a practice squad player to a full-time starter in 2022, recording 125 total tackles. He will have a chance to carve out a prominent role with the Packers, as at least one starting spot is open.
As the only safety outside of Darnell Savage Jr. on the Packers roster with starting experience, he could very well have the upper hand heading into training camp. The Packers are looking for any kind of spark at the position and Owens has plenty of motivation to earn that spot and continue the upward trajectory of his career.