Rico Dowdle

Player Information

Rico Sharod Dowdle Jr. is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 14, 1998, in Gaffney, South Carolina, Dowdle attended A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina, where he achieved various accolades. He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, showcasing his talent and resilience despite injuries. As an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, earning significant recognition for becoming the first undrafted free agent in franchise history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
Full Name :
Rico Sharod Dowdle Jr.
Birthdate :
14 June 1998
Birthplace :
Gaffney, South Carolina, USA
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
180
Weight (kg) :
98
Nationality :
United States
Education :
A. C. Reynolds (Asheville, North Carolina) (High School), South Carolina (College)
Career Started :
2020
Notable Achievements :
First undrafted free agent to rush for 1,000 yards in a season in team history (2024)
Current Team :
Carolina Panthers
Previous Teams :
Dallas Cowboys (From 2020, To 2024)
Drafted :
2020
Drafted by :
Dallas Cowboys
Active Status :
From - 2020, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2025 to 2026, Salary $6,250,000 USD

Biography

Rico Dowdle is an NFL running back known for his time with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers. He played college football at the University of South Carolina, accumulating notable rushing yards before entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020. With over 1,000 rushing yards and an impressive average of 4.4 yards per carry, Dowdle has established himself as a valuable player, contributing on special teams. Uncover more about his adventure and impact in the league.

Early Life

Rico Dowdle developed a passion for football at a young age, demonstrating his talent as a running back during his time at A.C. Reynolds High School. Throughout his high school career, he excelled on the field, earning accolades that set the foundation for his future in football.

Following his successful high school tenure, Dowdle continued to pursue his football aspirations at the collegiate level, playing for the University of South Carolina. There, he accumulated impressive statistics, including 2,167 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns over 39 games, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled athlete.

Family Life

Rico Dowdle’s family life is deeply intertwined with his football path, characterized by steadfast support from his loved ones. His family has been instrumental in his development, encouraging his passion for the sport from an early age.

Particularly, his parents, along with his siblings, have been a constant source of motivation, attending games and celebrating his achievements. This strong family foundation has nurtured a sense of community, as they remain actively involved in his life, both personally and professionally.

Moreover, Rico maintains a vibrant presence on social media, allowing him to connect with family, friends, and fans, further enhancing his support network as he navigates his NFL career.

Career

Rico Dowdle, an undrafted free agent who entered the NFL in 2020, has established himself as a noteworthy player.

By the 2024 season, he rushed for over 1,000 yards with the Dallas Cowboys, demonstrating his development from a backup to a primary option.

Over the course of 52 games, he has accumulated 1,464 rushing yards with an impressive average of 4.4 yards per carry.

Furthermore, Dowdle has made notable contributions on special teams, highlighted by a career-long 68-yard kickoff return.

His performance on the field reflects his growth and versatility as an athlete.

Net Worth

Rico Dowdle’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, largely attributed to his recent one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers valued at up to $6 million, which includes $3 million guaranteed.

Throughout his career, he has drawn notable salaries from his contracts, with his top five earnings being $1.5 million in 2020, $1.2 million in 2021, $750,000 in 2022, $1 million in 2023, and the current $6 million contract in 2024.

As Dowdle continues to utilize his performance on the field, his financial outlook remains promising, enhanced by endorsements and his participation in training camps.