Amos Fowler (1987) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Amos Fowler

Induction:
1987

Amos Fowler was another of the truly great success stories in the history of Southern Miss football. He was a player that most people felt like had ended his playing days once his high school career was over. But Fowler didn't think that way and believed in his heart that if only he had a chance he could be a success on the college level. He would go on to prove anyone wrong.
   Fowler had been a linebacker and a tight end at Fort Walton Beach (Florida) high School, where he had been good enough to earn all-city honors, but the doubters didn't believe he had the skills to move up to the next level.
   But Southern Miss, which at the time and still today, had a reputation for giving walk-ons a chance and they were willing to give Fowler an opportunity to show what he could do.
   At Southern Miss, Fowler would be moved into the offensive line. His career would begin as a tackle for Coach Bobby Collins in 1975. He wouldn't see much action that season, playing as a backup, but the coaches noticed that Fowler had an instinct for the game and was willing to listen and learn as much as he could. In fact they almost had to run him off the practice field, because he was so anxious to get better and better.
   Although Fowler wasn't the biggest offensive lineman on the squad, he was the quickest and combined with his great desire to excel, made him a difficult man to go up against.
   His hard work and perseverance finally paid off in 1976. Moving to guard Fowler found himself in the starting lineup and throughout the season was one of the most consistent players on the team. Although the team struggled that season Fowler was one of the key ingredients of a Southern Miss running attack that was led by Ben (Go-Go) Garry who rushed for 1,236 yards that season. Whenever the team needed tough yardage, you can bet they looked to run behind Fowler.
   With scholarship in hand the former walk-on was determined to make 1977 his best year ever and that is exactly what he did. He helped led the Golden Eagles to a 6-6 record and wins over instate rivals Ole Miss and Mississippi state, the first time the school had ever beaten both schools in the same year. Fowler again was a mainstay in the offensive line and again was one of the keys to the rushing attack. For his efforts that year he was named a second team all-South Independent selection.
   The former walk-on continued his success story after that. Just like people had thought his career was over after high school, they though now surely it was over after college. But Fowler fooled them again. He was drafted in the fifth round by the Detroit Lions in the 1978 NFL draft and went on to star for the team from 1978 to 1984.
   Fowler was a perfect example that if you really do believe then your dreams can come true. Hard work, a love for the game and a heart that loved the game of football, certainly made Fowler one of the best and most popular Golden Eagles.