Dolphins Ring of Honor to Receive New Member

Tim Bowens will be inducted into the Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor on October 27th at halftime when the team plays the Arizona Cardinals.

Nov 13, 1994; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Steve Walsh (4) and Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens (95) go after a loose ball at Dolphin Stadium. / RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in ten years, the Miami Dolphins will induct a former player into the Ring of Honor at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Dolphins announced Monday that they selected former defensive tackle Tim Bowens as the newest inductee. The induction will be during a special ceremony at halftime of the Dolphins' home game against the Cardinals in October.

The moment Tim Bowens found out he'll be inducted into our Ring of Honor. 🩵 pic.twitter.com/eWdbcJVX3h

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 5, 2024

"Tim Bowens was the epitome of a team player who performed at an elite level for a long period of time, allowing both his teammates and the Miami Dolphins to be successful," Tom Garfinkel, the team's Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer said in a statement. "From the day he was drafted until the day he retired, Tim was a warrior in the trenches. His selfless, dependable, and physical style of play is a big reason why his teammates also found success, most notably Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas, who are now enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

"We are excited to recognize Tim later this season and cement him where he belongs, among the all-time greats in Miami Dolphins history," Garfinkle concluded.

The Dolphins Ring of Honor induction is a prestigious recognition of Tim Bowens' Pro Bowl-caliber play during his time with the Miami Dolphins and a testament to his work ethic.

Recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Zach Thomas appeared at a press conference before practice Monday to talk about his former teammate before introducing him to the local media.

"He was the ultimate teammate, one that was unselfish and made everyone around him better," Thomas said. "I am here to introduce Tim 'Bad Ass' Bowens."

The news humbled Bowens.

"It was a shock, but I knew something was going on when they called me down here for a meeting," Bowens said, "I'm really thankful. I'm honored. I'm grateful. I don't really know what to say right now."

Bowens was a first-round draft choice out of Mississippi in 1994. The Associated Press selected him as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year because he anchored a rushing defense that finished the year before as the 19th-best in the league. With the addition of Bowens, Miami improved to sixth overall. The Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) named Bowens to their All-Rookie Team the same year.

Bowens was a ten-year starter and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. The Dolphins finished in the top ten in rushing defense six times during Bowens' ten seasons as a starter.

DOLPHINS RING OF HONOR INDUCTIONS

September 16, 1990 — Founder Joe Robbie (1966-89)

November 19, 1990 — FB Larry Csonka (1968-74, 1979), QB Bob Griese (1967-80), C Jim Langer (1970-79) and WR Paul Warfield (1970-74)

November 18, 1991 — LB Nick Buoniconti (1969-76)

November 16, 1992 — 1972 Undefeated Team

December 13, 1993 — G Larry Little (1969-80)

December 12, 1994 — C Dwight Stephenson (1980-87)

December 11, 1995 — G Bob Kuechenberg (1970-84)

November 25, 1996 — Head Coach Don Shula (1970-95)

December 5, 1999 — WR Nat Moore (1974-86)

September 17, 2000 — QB Dan Marino (1983-99)

December 15, 2003 — WR Mark Clayton (1983-92) and Mark Duper (1982-92)

December 3, 2006 — S Dick Anderson (1968-77)

December 25, 2006 — T Richmond Webb (1990-2000)

December 14, 2008 — DT Bob Baumhower (1977-86) and DE Doug Betters (1978-87)

November 18, 2010 — S Jake Scott (1970-75) and DE Bill Stanfill (1969-76)

December 4, 2011 — TE Jim Mandich (1970-77)

October 14, 2012 — DE/LB Jason Taylor (1997-2007, 2009, 2011) and LB Zach Thomas (1996-2006)

December 14, 2012 — Defensive Coordinator Bill Arnsparger (1969-74, 1976-83)

October 31, 2013 — LB John Offerdahl (1986-93)

December 21, 2014 — DT Manny Fernandez (1968-1975)