Stephen Bowen ( American football ) Stephen Alexander Bowen ( born March 28 , 1984 ) is an American football defensive end for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League ( NFL ) . He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2006 . He played college football at Hofstra University . Early years . Stephen played pee - wee football in North Babylon , NY with his father as his coach for many of his years there . Bowen attended Half Hollow Hills High School West in Dix Hills , NY where he lettered in both football and basketball . As a senior , recorded 235 rushing yards and four touchdown s to go along with 330 receiving yards and five touchdowns . Also , on defense he recorded 97 tackles . College career . Bowen attended Hofstra University where he was a two - year starter . As a freshman , he played in all 12 games as a sophomore and recorded 49 tackles , three sacks and one fumble recovery . As a junior he recorded a career - high 68 tackles . As a senior , he recorded 11 tackles for losses . He finished his career with 168 tackles , 11 . 5 sacks and one interception , which was returned for a touchdown . Professional career . Dallas Cowboys . 2006 Season - 2010 Season . Bowen went undrafted in the 2006 NFL Draft , however , on May 1 he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys . However , he was later released and on September 3 was signed to the team ' s practice squad . On November 7 , he was signed to the team ' s active roster . As a rookie , after being signed to the Cowboys ' active roster , Bowen appeared in only one game , the season - ending loss to the Detroit Lions and recorded his first sack , sacking Jon Kitna . In 2007 , Bowen served as a back - up to starting right defensive end Chris Canty and recorded 23 tackles , ranking him 5th on the team among defensive linemen . In 2008 , he played in 14 games and recorded a then career - best 28 tackles . In 2009 , he appeared in all 16 games , starting two and recorded a single - season high 31 tackles and 3 sacks . In 2010 , he appeared in all 16 games , starting nine and recorded 22 tackles , 1 . 5 sacks . Washington Redskins . 2011 Season . On July 28 , 2011 , the Washington Redskins signed Bowen to a five - year , $ 27 . 5 million contract . Bowen was made the starting right defensive end . His first season with the Redskins , Bowen started in all 16 games for the first time in his career . At the end of 2011 NFL season , Bowen set new career highs with 41 tackles and six sacks for himself . 2012 Season . In mid - April 2012 , Bowen received arthroscopic surgery on his left knee . On November 14 during the Redskins ' bye week , he was made a co - defensive captain after a team vote . In the Week 14 win against the Cleveland Browns , he tore his upper left biceps and would still play for the rest of the regular season . He would make an essential defensive move in the next week against the Philadelphia Eagles . During the Eagles last attempt to tie the game and with seconds remaining , Bowen put enough pressure on Nick Foles to make him throw the ball into the turf . Despite one second remaining on the clock , Foles would receive an intentional grounding penalty , ending the game and giving the Redskins the victory . Personal life . Stephen married his college girlfriend Tiffany Johnson , in March 2008 . The couple have 3 children - one daughter , Trinity , and twin boys , Stephen III and Skyler . Bowen ' s twin sons were born four months prematurely on June 28 , 2011 , the same day he signed with the Redskins . Unfortunately , Skyler died 10 days later . On December 8 , 2011 , Bowen won the Redskins ’ Ed Block Courage Award in recognition of the inspiring way he dealt with Skyler ' s death .