{{Short description|American football player (born 1986)}} {{for|the baseball player|Dwight Lowry}} {{Use American English|date=November 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox NFL biography | name = Dwight Lowery | image = Dwight Lowery.jpg | caption = Lowery with the New York Jets in 2009 | number = 34, 21, 26, 25, 20, 33 | position = Safety | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1986|1|23}} | birth_place = Santa Cruz, California, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 5 | height_in = 11 | weight_lbs = 212 | high_school = Soquel (CA) | college = San Jose State | draftyear = 2008 | draftround = 4 | draftpick = 113 | pastteams = * New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2008}}–{{NFL Year|2010}}) * Jacksonville Jaguars ({{NFL Year|2011}}–{{NFL year|2013}}) * Atlanta Falcons ({{NFL Year|2014}}) * Indianapolis Colts ({{NFL Year|2015}}) * San Diego Chargers ({{NFL Year|2016}}) | highlights = * 2× First-team All-American (2006, 2007) | statlabel1 = Total tackles | statvalue1 = 395 | statlabel2 = Sacks | statvalue2 = 5.0 | statlabel3 = Pass deflections | statvalue3 = 67 | statlabel4 = Interceptions | statvalue4 = 17 | statlabel5 = Forced fumbles | statvalue5 = 8 | statlabel6 = Defensive touchdowns | statvalue6 = 3 | pfr = L/LoweDw99 }} '''Dwight Larte Lowery''' (born January 23, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played college football for the San Jose State Spartans.
==Early life== Lowery attended Soquel High School in Soquel, California where he was an All Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League running back for the Knights during his senior year. Lowery broke the school's scoring record for a single season (25 touchdowns) and the County's single game scoring record (7 TD; 5 rushing, 1 receiving and a returned interception for the games final he earned All-League defensive back his junior and senior year having 20 interceptions in 20 games.
Lowery also played basketball and was a 3-year starter on the varsity squad. He earned league MVP honors his junior year, and lead his team into the Central Coast Section Playoffs.
==College career==
===Cabrillo College=== Lowery previously attended Cabrillo College in Aptos, California where he played free safety and special teams for the Seahawks. During Lowery's Freshman season at Cabrillo College, he received All State defensive back honors and lead California in INTs (9). His Sophomore season was cut short with a hand injury but he still managed four more interceptions in the games following the injury. He left Cabrillo with 13 picks in 15 games. He also led the state in return yards in 2004.
===San Jose State=== [[File:lowery vs stanford.jpg|thumb|left|Lowery after San Jose State's 2006 victory over Stanford.]] Lowery was a two-time All-America selection AFCA and FWAA All-America cornerback for San Jose State University. Lowery led the nation in 2006 with 9 interceptions. In his senior season at San Jose State University Lowery recorded 4 interceptions and was named to the all-WAC team in 2007. In the post-season 83rd East–West Shrine Game, Lowery had 2 interceptions.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://draftheadquarters.com/dhqblogs/?p=12| title = Use These 6 Effective Skills to Improve Your Essays}}</ref>
Lowery had applied for a draft grade from the NFL's advisory committee following the 2006 season but decided that he would return in 2007 for his Senior season at SJSU.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2007/January/11/sport/stories/05sport.htm |title=San Jose State All-American Lowery will stay for senior year - by JIM SEIMAS - Sentinel staff writer - January 11, 2007 |access-date=January 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181215/http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2007/January/11/sport/stories/05sport.htm |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Awards and honors=== *Named to the 2007 ''Playboy'' All-American Team.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.playboy.com/on-campus/allamerica/football/2007/all-america-team/defense.html| title = This page could not be found}}</ref> *Named to the 2006 and 2007 AFCA All-America Team *Named to the 2007 Scout.com All-America Third-team *Earned All-WAC first-team Honors in 2007<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=29304&SPID=2290&DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1335977 |title=Castelo, Lowery First-Team All-WAC Football Selections - SJSUSpartans.com - Official Web Site of San Jose State Athletics |access-date=January 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716131141/http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=29304&SPID=2290&DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1335977 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Became the first player in San Jose State University history to be named an All-American in back-to-back years.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=29304&SPID=2290&DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1329682 |title=Lowery Named 2007 AFCA All-America - SJSUSpartans.com - Official Web Site of San Jose State Athletics |access-date=January 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928021030/http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=29304&SPID=2290&DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1329682 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Named to 83rd East-West Shrine All-Star Game in 2008<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=29304&SPID=2290&DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1370935 |title=Dwight Lowery in East-West Shrine Game on ESPN2 - SJSUSpartans.com - Official Web Site of San Jose State Athletics |access-date=January 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928021124/http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=29304&SPID=2290&DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1370935 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Professional career== {{nfl predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 11 | weight = 201 | dash = 4.54 | ten split = 1.53 | twenty split = 2.60 | shuttle = 4.38 | cone drill = 7.31 | vertical = 33.5 | broad ft = 9 | broad in = 8 | bench = 16 | wonderlic = | note = Source:<ref>{{Citation|title=2008 CB Draft Prospects |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2008_CB |work=CBS Sports |publisher=CBS |year=2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014170149/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2008_CB |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> }}
===New York Jets===
Impressed with Lowery's versatility and ball skills,<ref name="NYT Lowery">{{Citation|title=Note Spells Out Dream for a Jets Draft Choice|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/sports/football/28jets.html|work=The New York Times|author=Bishop, Greg|date=April 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607223046/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/sports/football/28jets.html?_r=1|archive-date=June 7, 2022|access-date=October 13, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dwight Lowery Has First-Round Instincts |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Dwight-Lowery-Has-First-Round-Instincts/49d72b4a-79f7-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 |work=New York Jets |author=Allen, Eric |date=May 3, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401093804/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Dwight-Lowery-Has-First-Round-Instincts/49d72b4a-79f7-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |access-date=October 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the New York Jets selected him in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft as a cornerback/safety.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Clinkscales Weighs In on First Three Picks |url=http://blog.newyorkjets.com/2008/04/27/clinkscales-weighs-in-on-first-three-picks/ |work=New York Jets |author=Lange, Randy |date=April 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714180119/http://blog.newyorkjets.com/2008/04/27/clinkscales-weighs-in-on-first-three-picks/ |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=October 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> An injury to cornerback Justin Miller would see Lowery debut in his first NFL game against the Miami Dolphins; Lowery performed modestly with four tackles and three passes defensed.<ref>{{Citation|title=Favre Era Lifts Off: Jets Down 'Fins, 20-14 |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Favre-Era-Lifts-Off-Jets-Down-Fins-20-14/496d8ce2-79f7-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 |work=New York Jets |author=Allen, Eric |date=September 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401093811/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Favre-Era-Lifts-Off-Jets-Down-Fins-20-14/496d8ce2-79f7-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |access-date=October 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lowery was named to the NFL's mid-season all-rookie team for his efforts on defense however in November, Lowery was benched in favor of veteran Ty Law.<ref>{{Citation|title=Jim Seimas: New York Jets cornerback Dwight Lowery has chance to make NFL's All-Rookie team |url=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/football/ci_11164230 |work=Santa Cruz Sentinel |author=Seimas, Jim |date=December 8, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611221211/http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/football/ci_11164230 |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |access-date=October 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In spite of the benching, Lowery continued to improve and contribute as a backup cornerback earning the praise of his head coach Eric Mangini and his teammates.<ref>{{Citation|title=Lowery: Rookie Who's Found Second Wind |url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Lowery-Rookie-Whos-Found-Second-Wind/49032b04-79f7-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 |work=New York Jets |author=Carlson, Tim |date=December 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401093840/http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Lowery-Rookie-Whos-Found-Second-Wind/49032b04-79f7-11df-ba56-acc8e62813e9 |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |access-date=October 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2009, Lowery continued to contribute as a backup and would finish the season with 24 tackles, 9 passes defensed and 3 interceptions.
In 2010, Lowery would record his first career touchdown, intercepting Brett Favre on a play that would seal the Jets' victory over the Vikings.<ref>{{Citation|title=Soquel grad Lowery lifts Jets with interception, touchdown|url=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/football/ci_16315614?source=rss|work=Santa Cruz Sentinel|agency=Associated Press|date=October 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201184416/http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/football/ci_16315614?source=rss|archive-date=December 1, 2017|access-date=October 13, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Jets expected a gift from Brett Favre|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=5676189&campaign=rss&source=NEWYORKHeadlines|work=ESPN|author=Cimini, Rich|date=October 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123901/http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/columns/story?columnist=cimini_rich&id=5676189&campaign=rss&source=NEWYORKHeadlines|archive-date=April 13, 2014|access-date=October 13, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Jacksonville Jaguars=== Lowery was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for an undisclosed draft pick on September 3, 2011. In his first game with Jacksonville, Lowery intercepted a Matt Hasselbeck pass to seal a Jaguar victory.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2011-09-15/story/ex-jets-lowery-coleman-out-prove-they-belong-new-team| title = Ex-Jets Lowery, Coleman out to prove they belong with new team}}</ref>
On March 13, 2012, Lowery agreed to a four-year extension with the Jaguars. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 22, 2012.
In week 2 of the 2012 season during the Jaguars home opener loss to the Houston Texans, Lowery tackled a fan who ran onto the field.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://nesn.com/2012/09/jaguars-player-forced-to-tackle-fan-on-field-during-game-because-security-guards-are-too-lazy/| title = Jaguars Player Forced to Tackle Fan on Field During Game Because Security Guards are Too Lazy (Video) - NESN.com| date = September 17, 2012}} T</ref>
Lowery's 2013 season ended when he was placed on injured reserve on October 8. He was released from injured reserve on November 4.
===Atlanta Falcons=== Lowery signed with the Atlanta Falcons on April 8, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-Add-S-Lowery-CB-Wilson/7ddc4732-f0b3-42e0-8cd0-4acf448a4739 |title=FALCONS ADD S LOWERY, CB WILSON |access-date=April 9, 2014 |archive-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410212547/http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-Add-S-Lowery-CB-Wilson/7ddc4732-f0b3-42e0-8cd0-4acf448a4739 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lowery helped contribute to a struggling Atlanta Falcons defense in 2014. Lowery replaced old Atlanta Falcons Free Safety Thomas Decoud and did an outstanding job.
===Indianapolis Colts=== Lowery signed with the Indianapolis Colts on April 3, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wilkening|first1=Mike|title=Colts reach deal with S Dwight Lowery|date=April 4, 2015 |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/03/colts-reach-deal-with-s-dwight-lowery/|publisher=Pro Football Talk|access-date=April 4, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Dragon|first1=Tyler|title=Lowery signs for the Colts.|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dwight-lowery-agrees-to-terms-with-indianapolis-colts-0ap3000000483494|work=NFL.com|access-date=April 3, 2015}}</ref>
===San Diego Chargers=== On March 9, 2016, Lowery signed a three-year contract with the San Diego Chargers.<ref>{{cite web | title=Chargers Land Veteran Safety Dwight Lowery | website=Chargers.com | date=2016-03-09 | url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-land-veteran-safety-dwight-lowery-128806 | access-date=2025-07-27}}</ref> Lowery was signed to fill any empty void previously filled by All-Pro safety Eric Weddle.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14937655/san-diego-chargers-reach-deal-nose-tackle-brandon-mebane| title = San Diego Chargers reach deal with nose tackle Brandon Mebane| date = March 9, 2016}}</ref>
On September 2, 2017, Lowery was released by the Chargers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Cut Down Roster to 53|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/09/02/los-angeles-chargers-cut-down-roster-53|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228125650/http://www.chargers.com/news/2017/09/02/los-angeles-chargers-cut-down-roster-53|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 28, 2017|author=Henne, Ricky|website=Chargers.com|date=September 2, 2017}}</ref>
===NFL statistics=== {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- ! Year !! Team !! GP !! COMB !! TOTAL !! AST !! SACK !! FF !! FR !! FR YDS !! INT !! IR YDS !! AVG IR !! LNG !! TD !! PD |- ! 2008 || NYJ | 16 ||64 || 54 || 10 || 0.0 || 5 || 0 ||0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 16 |- ! 2009 || NYJ | 13 || 24 || 22 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 41 || 13.7 || 34 || 0 || 9 |- ! 2010 || NYJ | 14 || 19 || 16 || 3 || 2.0 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 3 || 87 || 29.0 || 41 || 2 || 7 |- ! 2011 || JAX | 13 || 36 || 28 || 8 || 1.0 || 0 || 1 || 23 || 2 || 26 || 13.0 || 30 ||0 || 8 |- ! 2012 || JAX | 9|| 31 || 26 || 5 || 0.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 21 || 21.0 || 21 ||0 || 4 |- ! 2013 || JAX | 3 || 6 || 4 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 ||0 || 0 || 1 |- ! 2014 || ATL | 16 || 79 || 60 || 19 || 1.0 || 2 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 21 || 10.5 || 21 || 0 || 5 |- ! 2015 || IND | 16 || 76 || 56 || 20 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 96 || 24.0 || 69 || 1 || 8 |- ! 2016 || SD | 16 || 60 || 49 || 11 || 0.0 || 1 || 1 || 36 || 1 || 25 || 25.0 || 25 || 0 || 9 |- class="sortbottom" ! colspan="2" | Career || 116 || 395 || 315 || 80 || 5.0 || 8 || 8 || 61 || 17 || 317 || 18.6 || 69 || 3 || 68 |}<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/11347/dwight-lowery| title = Dwight Lowery Stats {{!}} ESPN}}</ref>
==Post-playing career== In 2018, Lowery was named the head football coach at Soquel High School, his alma mater.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former NFL, San Jose State player to coach high school alma mater|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/05/04/former-nfl-san-jose-state-player-to-coach-high-school-alma-mater/|author=Siemas, Jim|website=San Jose Mercury News|date=May 4, 2018}}</ref>
==Personal life== Lowery was born to Tracy Rivers who raised him as single mother.<ref name="NYT Lowery"/> Lowery has six other siblings, including a sister, Aujanae.<ref name="NYT Lowery"/><ref name="Lowery aware">{{Citation|title=Dwight Lowery: Introspective and Aware |url=http://www.thejetsblog.com/2010/12/21/dwight-lowery-introspective-and-aware/ |work=TheJetsBlog |publisher=SNY |author=Zimmerman, Lisa |date=December 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224164500/http://www.thejetsblog.com/2010/12/21/dwight-lowery-introspective-and-aware/ |archive-date=December 24, 2010 |access-date=December 26, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Lowery is married to his wife, Ashley Lowery.<ref name="Lowery aware"/>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110716131258/http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=522884 San José State Spartans bio]
{{Jets2008DraftPicks}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lowery, Dwight}} Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:Players of American football from Santa Cruz, California Category:American football cornerbacks Category:American football safeties Category:Cabrillo Seahawks football players Category:San Jose State Spartans football players Category:New York Jets players Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players Category:Atlanta Falcons players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:San Diego Chargers players Category:Los Angeles Chargers players Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen Category:21st-century American sportsmen