Fowler hopes to win spot on Rams' roster

[RamWraith]

By JOSEPH HAYES
Times Herald

Eric Fowler never has taken the easy route in accomplishing his goals.

At New Haven High School, Fowler became a game-breaker before heading to Grand Valley State University.

His work ethic brought more success on the collegiate level as he became a force in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
His final season was his best. He had 83 catches for 1,694 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead Grand State to an NCAA Division II national championship.

The success gave Fowler the confidence to shoot for the next level. But he now faces his toughest professional obstacle as he tries to earn a spot with the St. Louis Rams.

"It's a great opportunity," Fowler said. "I got a call from them a couple of weeks after I was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. They flew me out and wanted to sign me."

The Rams offered Fowler a spot on their practice squad for the final four weeks of the 2007 regular season. He was inactive for games, but played a big part in getting the Rams ready during the week.

Fowler originally was signed as a free agent by the Steelers, who were loaded at wide receiver. He was released during training camp.

"After I got released, I flew back home and went back to ground zero," he said. "I started all over.

"It's difficult to be released. It wears on you mentally. You tend to dwell on the mistakes you made instead of seeing all of the good

you've done.

"There were a ton of receivers in Pittsburgh. They had receivers like Hines Ward and other guys that basically already had a spot on the team. I've worked hard, and I know I can make it in the league."

Fowler, 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, began working with a personal trainer to improve his speed. He said he's faster, stronger and better prepared to capitalize on his latest opportunity.

"We went to work," he said. "I lowered my 40(-yard dash time) to 4.43 (seconds). That could be the difference between getting drafted and not getting drafted for a lot of guys.

"When I came out of college, a lot of people projected me to run a 4.7.

"I have more confidence now. I've always been a humble person. But I understand the difference between being humble and being arrogant now."

Before signing with the Rams, Fowler had workouts with two NFL teams and two Arena Football League teams. He was set to sign and begin playing with the Grand Rapids Rampage before the Rams' offer came.

"If I was to get released by the Rams, I could go back there and play," Fowler said. "But I know I can play on this level."

Fowler said he has been focusing on the mental aspect of the game. He said he has spent more time off the field studying the playbook and working out in the weight room than on it.

"I've been doing the off-season workouts here for two weeks now, and I haven't touched a football," he said. "We get up in the morning, have breakfast, then go lift for two hours and knock that out.

"We do position-specific workouts, whether it be the sled or conditioning, and then we do team conditioning. After that, we meet as an offense or with our positions. I've learned that everybody can play this game, but sometimes it comes down to the mental side of it."

As Fowler tries to win a spot with the Rams, he said he has developed a different viewpoint of the business side of the NFL.

This year, Fowler said he will do his best without worrying about things he can't control.

"The first time through, I was nervous," he said. "I was worried about expectations. Now, I'm having fun and I can see a big difference."

[Chris58]

Given our WR situation Fowler may just be a diamond in the (not too) rough. Physically he sounds impressive. Is he our next Warner?

[keith m. klink]

IF this kid can play , our luck would have changed a bit . great size , seems like a great person but can he be a differance maker on our squad . i will give him 2 years on the practice squad and then i want to see a pay-off . DOMINIQUE THOMPSON has been a WR on the practice squad for 3 years now , it might be time to let someone else drink from the hose .

[Fortuninerhater]

Can any of you name one star WR in the NFL that spent more than one year on a practice squad?

[BM_Face]

Originally Posted by Fortuninerhater

Can any of you name one star WR in the NFL that spent more than one year on a practice squad?

I can not. I am not looking for Fowler to be a "star WR", but if he can contribute something positive then he is an asset. Competition, even on the pracitce squad, is good. Practice squad players want to play in the NFL. I do not want practice squad players who are satisfied with thier jobs. I want guys who are hungry for gametime, players that dream of playing on Sunday.

Sounds like Fowler has his head screwed on straight and is working hard towards his goal. Good for him. Good job Fowler! Stay positive. There are always people who will crap on you the first time you get five seconds of recognition. Practice squad players are one step away from the roster. GoRams!

[TekeRam]

I can't name a star WR that spent time on the practice squad either, however, Rod Smith was undrafted out of college, so it's not unheard of. Give the guy a shot!

[txramsfan]

Hope we sign him. Great depth.

[mde8352gorams]

This guy sounds like Mike Furrey. I think they even went to the same school, Grand Valley State. If he provides some reliable hands and stays healthy, I'm all for him.

I'm interested to read if he's a good route runner. In Saunder's offense that is a key attribute.

Go Rams!

[Fortuninerhater]

I'm sorry guys but if you ask me, we've got guys on the roster that should be on the practice squad. So forgive me if I don't appear gung ho about a guy who we'll likely never hear from again.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a guy trying to follow his dream, but there's about a 10,000 guys just like Mr. Fowler vying for what, 10 or 15 spots.

Tell me the story after he beats the odds. Sorry to sound so harsh but I thought I'd just drop a little reality on the situation.

[Dominating D]

Originally Posted by Fortuninerhater

I'm sorry guys but if you ask me, we've got guys on the roster that should be on the practice squad. So forgive me if I don't appear gung ho about a guy who we'll likely never hear from again.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a guy trying to follow his dream, but there's about a 10,000 guys just like Mr. Fowler vying for what, 10 or 15 spots.

Tell me the story after he beats the odds. Sorry to sound so harsh but I thought I'd just drop a little reality on the situation.

You must be the drunk nobody in the movie "invincible" LOL

[BM_Face]

Originally Posted by Fortuninerhater

Tell me the story after he beats the odds. Sorry to sound so harsh but I thought I'd just drop a little reality on the situation.

No one 'told' you a story, you read an entry on a forum. If you are not interested, why even comment? I am sure Fowler knows the odds he is up against. I have no illusions about his chances of making the roster, but I still support him and wish him the best.

I have interest in our practice squad, and firmly believe that even if none of a teams practice squad members make the roster, they can still have a positive contribution.

[Mooselini]

I like seeing confidence and determination. He went into the league knowing the odds were against him. But thats not going to stop him. I hope he gets looked at.

[Fortuninerhater]

Originally Posted by Dominating D

You must be the drunk nobody in the movie "invincible" LOL

I may be a nobody, but I'm certainly not drunk and I've never been in a movie.

[Fortuninerhater]

[quote=BM_Face;223235] If you are not interested, why even comment?


Good point. Sorry Mr. Fowler

[81~BIG-GAME]

Originally Posted by txramsfan

Hope we sign him. Great depth.

LOL, I agree will be solid for us..