Owen Daniels, a tight end known for his reliable hands and route-running ability, played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. Born on November 9, 1982, in Naperville, Illinois, Daniels attended Naperville Central High School, where he initially played as a quarterback. His athletic prowess was evident early on, and he continued to develop his skills at the University of Wisconsin, where he transitioned to the tight end position.
Drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Daniels quickly became an integral part of the team's offense. In his rookie season, he played in 14 games and recorded 34 receptions for 352 yards and five touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team, setting the stage for a productive career.
Daniels' ability to find seams in defenses and his dependable catching made him a favorite target for Texans' quarterbacks. Over the next few years, he consistently ranked among the top tight ends in the league. In 2008, Daniels had a standout season with 70 receptions for 862 yards and two touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection. His performance was instrumental in helping the Texans achieve their first winning season in franchise history.
In 2009, Daniels was on pace for another impressive season, but a torn ACL in Week 8 cut his year short. Despite the setback, he worked diligently to return to form, and by 2010, he was back on the field, contributing significantly to the Texans' offense. His resilience and work ethic were evident as he continued to be a reliable option in the passing game.
Daniels' tenure with the Texans lasted until 2013, during which he became one of the franchise's all-time leading receivers. In 2014, he reunited with former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, signing with the Baltimore Ravens. That season, Daniels played in 15 games, recording 48 receptions for 527 yards and four touchdowns. His experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Ravens' offense.
The following year, Daniels followed Kubiak once again, this time to the Denver Broncos. In Denver, he played a crucial role in the team's journey to Super Bowl 50. During the regular season, he caught 46 passes for 517 yards and three touchdowns. In the playoffs, Daniels' two touchdown receptions in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots were vital in securing the Broncos' spot in the Super Bowl. The Broncos went on to defeat the Carolina Panthers, earning Daniels his first Super Bowl ring.
After achieving the pinnacle of NFL success, Daniels decided to retire from professional football in 2016. Over his ten-year career, he amassed 479 receptions, 5,661 receiving yards, and 36 touchdowns.
🏈