Tay Gowan

Tay Gowan (born January 7, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football at UCF and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life Gowan grew up in Covington, Georgia and attended Newton High School. As a high school senior, he earned First-team All-State honors as a defensive back after posting four interceptions and 15 pass breakups.

College career Gowan began his collegiate career at Miami University, where he redshirted as a true freshman and saw little playing time the following season. He left the program after his redshirt freshman season and enrolled at Butler Community College. In his lone season at Butler, he intercepted six passes and was named All-Jayhawk Conference. Gowan committed to transfer to the University of Central Florida.

Gowan began his first season with the Knights as a reserve defensive back, but became a starter due to injuries. He finished the season with 31 tackles, two interceptions, eight passes broken up and one fumble recovery while allowing 20 catches on 50 passes thrown into his coverage. Gowan opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and declared early for the 2021 NFL draft.

Professional career

Arizona Cardinals Gowan was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round, 223rd overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. Gowan signed his four-year rookie contract with Arizona on May 25, 2021.

Philadelphia Eagles Gowan was traded along with a fifth round pick in the 2022 NFL draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for tight end Zach Ertz on October 15, 2021. He was waived on August 30, 2022.

Minnesota Vikings Gowan signed with the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings on September 1, 2022. Gowan was elevated to active roster from the practice squad on November 19, 2022. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 16, 2023. On August 28, 2023, he was waived.

Tennessee Titans On October 9, 2023, Gowan was signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Titans signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.

Gowan was waived by the Titans on August 26, 2024.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers On March 28. 2025, Gowan signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was released on June 1.