Who Is Dare Ogunbowale?
Dare Ogunbowale is an American professional football running back for the Houston Texans, known primarily as a third-down specialist and core special-teams player. After starting his college career as a walk-on at Wisconsin, he worked his way into the NFL as an undrafted free agent and has built a multi-year career through persistence and versatility.
Over time, Ogunbowale has become a trusted veteran presence in Houston’s locker room. His role is less about headline-grabbing statistics and more about reliability, situational awareness, and doing the detail work that helps the Texans’ offense and special teams function smoothly.
Recent Role with the Houston Texans
In 2025, Dare Ogunbowale re-signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year contract, signaling the team’s continued confidence in his value as a depth running back and special-teams leader. He slots in behind the primary starters on the depth chart, taking snaps in passing situations and on multiple special-teams units rather than carrying a heavy rushing workload.
His game logs in recent seasons show limited carries and receptions but steady participation on game days, especially in kick coverage and third-down packages. Coaches lean on him for pass protection, blitz pickup, and situational football, areas where experience and trust often matter more than raw production.
Clutch Moments and Unique Versatility
Ogunbowale’s career in Houston is highlighted by several clutch moments that go beyond typical running back duties. In a 2023 matchup, he was forced into action as an emergency kicker after an injury to the Texans’ regular kicker and successfully converted a field goal, becoming the first non-kicker to hit a field goal in a regular-season game in many years. That performance showcased his poise and adaptability under pressure.
In addition to that rare kicking cameo, he has produced key late-game touchdown runs in tight contests, reminding observers that he can still make plays with the ball in his hands when called upon. These moments, combined with his steady work on special teams and in pass protection, have made Dare Ogunbowale an example of how a versatile, team-first veteran can maintain a meaningful role in a modern NFL backfield.