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From OU to the NFL: Billy Bowman selected by Atlanta Falcons

Bob Przybyloby:Bob Przybylo•04/26/25•

BPrzybylo

Billy Bowman19
OU safety Billy Bowman. (Sarah Phipps - Imagn Images).

It’s amazing to think now because of what Billy Bowman has meant to OU, but we all know he was close to never being a Sooner.

But he was and a dang good one. Now all the OU fans who loved to cheer Bowman can do so at the next level.

Bowman was chosen in the fourth round, No. 118 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon.

2024 stats: Started and played in 12 games, 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, touchdown.

Career stats: Played in 47 games, started 41, 199 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 11 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four touchdowns.

Bowman had a memorable breakout season in 2023. The six interceptions, the three touchdowns. You hear about the knack for the ball, but Bowman epitomized that.

A lot of people scoffed at a bit because of his size, but Bowman was as physical as you could ask. He was never afraid to get in the box and make something happen at the line of scrimmage.

He came up big in the biggest games, too, think back to what he did in 2023 in the memorable win vs. Texas. Bowman answered all questions about his game to where he simply left no doubt. He was going to be a guy picked this weekend.

Best game

2024 at Missouri. His single best moment? Nobody is going to forget that interception return for a touchdown at BYU in 2023. But this game against the Tigers? That was a big-time showcase of what Bowman can do despite his so-called small size. The hit he put on Luther Burden on a fourth down stop could have been, should have been one of those season-defining moments. As well as his fumble return for a score, Bowman was already around and ready to be the difference maker.

Bowman says…

“This is the most fun I’ve had in a season since I’ve been here, my four years here, this has been the most (fun) year. I’ve enjoyed myself; I’ve had fun with my teammates. We’ve fought ’till the end, and everything wasn’t going our way, but we just kept going. So ultimately, it’s the end of a story, but it continues to go on, and hopefully I just, I left Oklahoma with something.” – following season finale

Venables says…

“I couldn’t be happier for Billy. He gave OU everything he had for all four years, and he will go down as one of the best DBs in program history. He’s one of the most competitive guys I’ve ever coached. He laid it all on the line every single day and was a tone-setter and a rock for us. His combination of drive, intelligence, athleticism, relentless effort and loyalty have gotten him to this moment. And now he’s on the doorstep of living out a lifelong dream. I couldn’t be more thrilled for him, and I will be in his corner every step of the way as he embarks on this journey with the Falcons.”

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