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Harry Dowda

1922 – 1996

American football player

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About Harry Dowda

Lived 1922 – 1996 (aged 73). Harry Dowda was an American american football player.

Harry Clinton Dowda (December 29, 1922 – June 24, 1996) was an American professional football defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Wake Forest University. He served three years in the Airborne during World War II, and saw action in the Battle of Bulge and Crossing the Rhine. In 1953, he was married to the late Bette Marable Patterson and had two children.

Early life Harry Dowda was born on December 29, 1922. He attended West Fulton High School in Georgia and Hickory High School in Hickory, North Carolina. Dowda played college football at Wake Forest University. In 1947, Dowda was drafted into the NFL in the 19th round.

Professional career Dowda was selected in the 19th round (168th pick) in the 1947 NFL draft as a halfback. Dowda played for the Washington Redskins from 1949 to 1953. He then played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1954 to 1955. In 1953, Dowda intercepted 5 passes and returned them 73 yards, scoring one touchdown.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Wake Forest University
Also known as
Harry Clinton Dowda

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Harry Dowda's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Harry Dowda?

American football player (1922-1996)

When was Harry Dowda born?

Harry Dowda was born on 29 December 1922 in Atlanta.

When did Harry Dowda die?

Harry Dowda died on 24 June 1996.

What was Harry Dowda's occupation?

Harry Dowda was an american football player.

What nationality was Harry Dowda?

Harry Dowda was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Harry Dowda

· Wikidata: Q14951955

· DBpedia: Harry Dowda

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Harry Dowda. https://biography.guide/harry-dowda/

MLA: "Harry Dowda." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/harry-dowda/.

Chicago: "Harry Dowda." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/harry-dowda/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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