I.H.S. alum takes school’s influence with him on NFL journey

When Tashawn Bower reflects on what has been a six-year NFL career, the lessons from his days at Immaculata High School are at the forefront of his mind.

Bower was once a top New Jersey recruit who played big-time college football at LSU, but the NFL has tested his perseverance. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 as an undrafted free agent and has competed for roster spots in numerous training camps, most recently near his hometown Livingston with the New York Giants.

“First and foremost, I’d say my faith in God, keeping that strong, making sure that whenever things go good, bad, or the other, just having faith and thanking the man above for everything,” were part of the Somerville’s school influence, said Bower, recalling the school’s award winning Coach [Pierce} Frauenheim also stressed that, while pride in your efforts is important, “sometimes you’ve got to put your pride aside for things and kind of take one on the chin. Toughness and dependability on your brothers, those things will always carry you through not only football, but, I think, life.”

A team captain who led Immaculata to its state championship game in 2012, Bower thanks numerous coaches for imparting wisdom during his time with the Spartans.

“I always try and keep in contact with them just because they gave me such a great opportunity and always trusted me with the team,” Bower said. “It was something that I never will take for granted.”

Bower, who moved to Texas two years ago to be closer to his father, added that he wants to give back to Immaculata more frequently while stationed in North Jersey again. He has a powerful message to convey to kids who want to be him one day.

“Just keep working,” Bower said. “I’m definitely not the strongest, fastest or any of that, but there’s opportunities that are always out there and you’ve got to take advantage of every one. No matter how done you get, if a situation seems like it’s not going your way, I promise if you work harder than the next guy, things will come. It’s only proven itself over and over again for not just me, but anyone else out there.”

A 6-foot-5, 250-pound defensive end, Bower has played in 26 NFL regular-season games with the Vikings, the New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders.

He signed with the Giants right before training camp on July 25 and was grateful for the homecoming. He grew up as a Jacksonville Jaguars fan because his father liked them when they became a franchise in 1995 — the year Bower was born — but reconnecting with family and friends in East Rutherford was special for him.

Bower had a strong showing in three preseason games, finishing with seven tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one quarterback hit and one pass defended. But the Giants ended up making him one of their 38 roster cuts before the regular season.

Bower indicated that he wanted to continue playing in the NFL regardless of the Giants’ decision. Two of his cousins played in college at Georgia Southern and Youngstown State, but he is the first in his family to be in the pros.

“I just love football so much and love competing and love showing that no matter what the circumstances have been that I can go out and play,” Bower said. “Six years, it’s not like the shortest career ever and not the longest either, but it’s a grind and just being able to compete with other guys and just doing something that you love every single day, playing for your last name, playing for your family legacy and all the people who believed in you. It’s much bigger than you. It’s a lot that goes into it.”

Bower wants to one day start his own family. When he eventually retires, he intends to go back to LSU and finish his business degree and possibly go into real estate. But he feels he still has more to give to football.

Bower prides himself on being an excellent run stopper, first and foremost, who also brings pass-rushing skills and is uniquely experienced in the NFL. He has learned to quickly digest various defenses, how to evaluate film and his opponents, and can be a secondary coach on the field for young players as well.

“I’ve had the chance to do it all, so I’m ready for whatever challenge,” Bower said.

Whatever lies next, his alma mater will continue to be proud.

“Even during his time at Immaculata, Tashawn showed great promise and persistence, both on and off the field,” Immaculata principal Ed Webber said. “We are proud of Tashawn’s unwavering commitment, passion and dedication. He is a great reminder to us all, but more importantly to our students, that through perseverance and hard work, we can achieve greatness.”