Wisconsin people are known for being passionate about their sports teams and that’s what Dare Ogunbowale experienced when played in his home state last season. The only issue is that he was playing for another team and his father could not go fully invested on him.
Dare Ogunbowale, Houston Texans
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) runs the ball after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Ogunbowale is one of the most beloved players in the state, playing four years for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2012 to 2016.
He is with the Houston Texans now and found home there after bouncing around since going undrafted in 2017. This is in fact his second stint with the Texans which was the first team that gave him a chance in the professional level.
The 31-year-old cornerback sat down with ESPN Madison and talked about how he feels about Green Bay Packers since that is his team growing up. He recalled a funny moment while he’s at it, centering around a funny thing his father did.
Wisconsin Badgers running back Dare Ogunbowale
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Dare Ogunbowale (23) carries the ball against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
“It was a a team I cheered for growing up and Imma still cheer for them,” he said.
“It’s just special to me to get a chance to play there, play against the Packers.”
#Texans RB/specialist Dare Ogunbowale will never forget his time playing at Lambeau last season.
The Milwaukee native also recalls who his father was repping in the stands…
“He wore my jersey, but I see him after the game. I find out he had green and gold shoes on.” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/SKqcz41Hqv
— ESPN Madison (@ESPNMadison) June 4, 2025
He then went on to discuss the story of him playing at Lambeau Field.
“My dad actually came to the Packer game,” he started.
“He wore my jersey, but I see him after the game. I find out he had green and gold shoes on.”
The hosts bursted out laughing.
Packers won that game by a hairline, 24-22, and Ogunbawale played a forgettable game, gaining just six yards in one attempt.
Dare Ogunbowale’s almost with Green Bay Packers
Ogunbowale is probably living the dream now of every American football enthusiasts but it could have been better. At least as a fan of the Packers.
The Milwaukee-native, who has been with five teams now, almost got to play for the Packers in 2017 when he was called up by the team for a workout. Packer were needing reinforcements at that time with injury to key player.
Green Bay Packers practice
Green Bay Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine (26) runs through a drill during the eighth practice of training camp on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The team already drafted his college teammate Vince Biegel in the fourth round.
The Packers worked out former Wisconsin running back Dare Ogunbowale. Makes sense give the injuries to Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery. https://t.co/lgWgKvvYZc
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) November 16, 2017
The interest, however, died down.
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