The Miami Dolphins announced today that former defensive tackle Tim Bowens has been selected as the 28th member of the team's Ring of Honor. Bowens, the first addition to the prestigious group in 10 years, will be formally inducted into the Ring of Honor the final weekend of October, when the Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals, with a special halftime ceremony.
"Tim Bowens was the epitome of a team player who performed at an elite level for a long period of time, allowing both his teammates and the Miami Dolphins to be successful," said Tom Garfinkel, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Dolphins. "From the day he was drafted until the day he retired, Tim was a warrior in the trenches. His selfless, dependable and physical style of play is a big reason why his teammates also found success, most notably Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, who are now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are excited to recognize Tim later this season and cement him where he belongs, among the all-time greats in Miami Dolphins history."
Bowens played his entire 11-year NFL career with Miami from 1994-2004. His toughness and durability were remarkable at one of the game's most physical positions.
Bowens' 157 games played are 14th-most in Dolphins history. His 155 career starts rank sixth in team history and are the most by an interior defensive lineman. Bowens played 104 straight games between the 1994 and 2000 seasons, which is tied for the 10th-longest streak by a Dolphin. His 92 consecutive games started between 1994 and 1999 is the fifth-longest streak in team history.
Drafted 20th overall by Miami in the 1994 NFL Draft, Bowens made an immediate impact. He started as a rookie in Week 1 and won the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season.
Bowens totaled 407 career tackles (296 solo) and 22.0 sacks as an interior defensive lineman. He had nine forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, one interception and 21 passes defensed.
He was selected to two Pro Bowls following the 1998 and 2002 seasons. Bowens was added to the franchise's Walk of Fame in 2012 and named to the Miami Dolphins 50th Season All-Time Team in 2015.
The Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor, formerly known as the Honor Roll, was introduced in 1990 to honor the franchise's greatest players and contributors who had a meaningful impact on team success for a sustained period of time. Members are selected based on achievement, longevity and character.
Here are the other members of the Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor:
| Date of Induction | Inductee |
|---|---|
| Sept. 16, 1990 | Founder Joe Robbie (1966-89) |
| Nov. 19, 1990 | FB Larry Csonka (1968-74, 1979), QB Bob Griese (1967-80), C Jim Langer (1970-79) and WR Paul Warfield (1970-74) |
| Nov. 18, 1991 | LB Nick Buoniconti (1969-76) |
| Nov. 16, 1992 | 1972 Undefeated Team |
| Dec. 13, 1993 | G Larry Little (1969-80) |
| Dec. 12, 1994 | C Dwight Stephenson (1980-87) |
| Dec. 11, 1995 | G Bob Kuechenberg (1970-84) |
| Nov. 25, 1996 | Head Coach Don Shula (1970-95) |
| Dec. 5, 1999 | WR Nat Moore (1974-86) |
| Sept. 17, 2000 | QB Dan Marino (1983-99) |
| Dec. 15, 2003 | WR Mark Clayton (1983-92) and Mark Duper (1982-92) |
| Dec. 3, 2006 | S Dick Anderson (1968-77) |
| Dec. 25, 2006 | T Richmond Webb (1990-2000) |
| Dec. 14, 2008 | DT Bob Baumhower (1977-86) and DE Doug Betters (1978-87) |
| Nov. 18, 2010 | S Jake Scott (1970-75) and DE Bill Stanfill (1969-76) |
| Dec. 4, 2011 | TE Jim Mandich (1970-77) |
| Oct. 14, 2012 | DE/LB Jason Taylor (1997-2007, 2009, 2011) and LB Zach Thomas (1996-2006) |
| Dec. 14, 2012 | Defensive Coordinator Bill Arnsparger (1969-74, 1976-83) |
| Oct. 31, 2013 | LB John Offerdahl (1986-93) |
| Dec. 21, 2014 | DT Manny Fernandez (1968-1975) |
