Early years

At Feitshans High School he was an All-state selection in both football and basketball. He went on to play basketball at Iowa State University, before focusing on football after his sophomore season and proceeding to lead the team in receiving for 3 consecutive years.

As a senior in 1970, he had the most prolific receiving season in school history up to that point, breaking single-season school records in receptions (59), receiving yards (822) and touchdowns (6). He also led the Big Eight in all three categories and ranked 13th nationally in receiving, earning first-team all-Big Eight honors. His 59 catches ranks fifth all-time and his 822 receiving yards seventh all-time in school history for a season. He finished his career as Iowa State University all-time leader in receptions (132) and receiving yards (1,751), and second in career touchdowns (10). He still ranks third in career receptions and fifth in receiving yards.

Professional career

Miami Dolphins

Stowe was drafted in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. As a rookie he was the backup to Paul Warfield, catching 5 passes for 68 yards and 1 touchdown. He again saw limited action in his second season, with 13 receptions, 276 yards and 2 touchdowns). 6 of the receptions for 140 yards and both touchdowns came in a single Monday Night Football game against the St. Louis Cardinals while replacing an injured Warfield. Despite winning a Super Bowl, he requested to be traded after the season.

In 1973 he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, in exchange for Ron Sellers and a second round draft choice. He played on two Super Bowl teams, including the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.

Dallas Cowboys

In 1973 he was having a Pro Bowl type season starting opposite to Bob Hayes, but suffered a broken ankle in the seventh game against the Philadelphia Eagles, that placed him on injured reserve and would hamper him for the rest of his career. He was replaced with rookie Drew Pearson for the rest of the season, but still led the team with 6 touchdown receptions and was second in receiving with 389 yards.

Even though he was starting for the Cowboys, he wasn't happy with his contract, so he was traded to the Denver Broncos for a draft choice.

Denver Broncos

After having a disappointing season in 1974, in 1975 he was traded along with a future draft choice to the Los Angeles Rams, as compensation for signing free agent Phil Olsen.

Los Angeles Rams

Stowe informed the Los Angeles Rams his decision to retire before the start of the 1975 season. He finished his career after only four seasons, registering 43 receptions, 742 yards and 10 touchdowns.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]