Mule Dowell
| No. 25 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positions | End, Fullback | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born | June 27, 1913 Ben Franklin, Texas | ||||||
| Died | August 12, 1992 (aged 79) Richardson, Texas | ||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||
| Weight | 206 lb (93 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school | Royse City (Royse City, Texas) | ||||||
| College | Texas Tech | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||
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| Career statistics | |||||||
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Gwyn Clark "Mule" Dowell (June 27, 1913 – August 12, 1992) was an American professional football player, businessman, and civic leader. He played two seasons with the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) after playing college football for the Texas Tech Matadors.
Early life
[edit]Gwyn Clark Dowell was born on June 27, 1913, in Ben Franklin, Texas.[1] He attended Royse City High School in Royse City, Texas, where he earned 15 athletic letters.[2] Dowell excelled as a back on the football team,[3] helping the Bulldogs win their first district championship in 1930.[4] He was inducted into the Royse City Independent School District Hall of Fame in 2017.[4]
College career
[edit]Dowell enrolled at Texas Tech University in 1931.[5] He had planned to join the baseball team, but learned that the program was discontinued.[2] That year, Dowell played on the freshman football team under head coach Dell Morgan as the starting fullback.[6][7] He went on to earn three letters in football and two letters in track and field, participating in the shot put and discus throw events.[2]
Dowell played with the Matadors from 1932 to 1934 under head coach Pete Cawthon, who called Dowell "the best ball carrying back in Tech's history."[8] He immediately became the tallest member of the team,[9] but he missed several games in 1932 due to a knee injury and eligibility issues.[10][11] In their 1934 Homecoming game, Dowell accounted for four touchdowns, including three in the third quarter, in a 48–19 win over DePaul.[12] His four touchdowns were a program record,[13] and the Lubbock Morning Avalanche wrote that his "work resembled a snow-plow in frozen Alaska" as he "rambled down the field, pushing the De Paul secondary out of his way".[14] Dowell was named a first-team all-Border Conference selection.[15] He was also voted into the Chicago Charities College All-Star Game the following year,[16] though he did not play in the exhibition due to being in NFL training camp at the time.[2] Dowell was enshrined in the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Honor as a member of the class of 1963 alongside his former freshman year coach, Dell Morgan.[7]
Professional career
[edit]In March 1935, it was reported that Dowell had drawn interest from several National Football League (NFL) teams, having received contract offers from the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.[17] "As a line plunger, passer and pass receiver, he was a brilliant performer in the Matador lineup," said the Lubbock Morning Avalanche. "A tall, rangy 200-pounder, Dowell is considered an almost perfect football 'type'."[17]
Dowell signed with the Chicago Cardinals that August ahead of the 1935 NFL season.[18] He was one of 14 rookies on the 34-man roster.[18] Dowell made his professional debut in their season opener on September 15, substituting starting fullback Mike Mikulak in a 7–6 win over the Green Bay Packers.[19][20] He played in five regular season games that season and started one, rushing for four yards on six attempts,[1] primarily in a backup role to Mikulak.[21] The Cardinals finished with a 6–4–2 record.[22] Dowell returned to Texas Tech to finish his degree that offseason, where he served as a boxing instructor and an assistant football coach during spring training.[23][24]
Dowell returned to the Cardinals for the 1936 NFL season as a converted end.[25] He suffered a broken bone in his hand in their first preseason warm-up game on August 30, starting at left end in a 70–0 win over the semi-pro Kamm Brewers of South Bend, Indiana.[26][27] Dowell started the final seven regular season games.[19] After starting a pair of games at halfback,[28][29] he was moved to the starting fullback role after Mikulak switched to quarterback.[30] Dowell made his first start at his new position on November 8, recording a career-high 34 rushing yards on four carries in a 13–0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles – Chicago's first victory of the season.[19][31] The Chicago Daily Tribune reported that he "played excellent ball" the following week, contributing to a 14–6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.[32][33] Dowell played 10 total regular season games in 1936; he rushed for 151 yards on 54 attempts and completed one-of-two pass attempts for six yards.[1] The Cardinals finished with a 3–8–1 record.[34]
Post-playing career and military service
[edit]After two seasons in the NFL, Dowell entered the automobile industry, being hired as a staff adjustor for General Motors in December 1936.[5] He then attended the General Motors Institute of Technology, after which he joined the Kuykendall Chevrolet Company as a salesman in 1938.[5] Dowell returned to Texas Tech as the business manager of athletics in 1939, with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal stating: "A more popular choice could not have been made at this time."[35] He submitted his resignation in January 1941, on the same day as head football coach Pete Cawthon, assistant football and head basketball coach Berl Huffman, and assistant football coach Dutch Smith.[36] However, Dowell was instead promoted to assistant to the athletic director that March.[37] He was described as "the Babe Ruth of the Tech faculty softball team".[2]
Dowell served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945,[38] where he was noted for his "leadership and aggressiveness".[2] He was commissioned an ensign in April 1942.[39] After graduating from a course at the United States Naval Academy, Dowell was assigned to the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi,[40] where he served as the assistant athletic officer and coordinator of the cadet program.[41] He later saw action as a gunnery officer on several aircraft carriers, including the USS Petrof Bay, during the Second Philippines campaign.[2][42] Dowell was awarded the Legion of Merit for action aboard the aircraft carrier during the Battle off Samar.[42][43] He participated in a total of six different engagements in his 19+1⁄2 months oversea and was discharged in November 1945 with the rank of Lieutenant commander.[2][38]
"For distinguishing himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of duties as... an officer of an escort carrier during her action in the Southwest Pacific Area... By his tireless efforts and intelligent and endless thought and training he helped the gunnery officer to maintain batteries in a state of efficiency whereby even in the face of apparent death his gunners coolly and calmly remained at their stations, firing and servicing their guns. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States" – citation accompanying his Legion of Merit medal, signed by Thomas C. Kinkaid, then-commander of the Seventh Fleet[44]
Dowell returned to Lubbock and rejoined the Texas Tech athletic department in his role as assistant to the athletic director in January 1946.[45] He was also an assistant coach on the football team for spring training, as well as on the track and field team.[46][47] Dowell resigned from his post that April to accept a position as sales manager at Fenner Tubbs Company,[38] a Chrysler dealer, where he worked from 1946 to 1950.[5] During this time, he coached the newly-formed Texas Tech football "B" team in 1946,[48][49] was involved in organizing the Lubbock Golden Gloves tournament,[50] and was elected to the Lubbock school board in 1948,[51] where he served two three-year terms.[52] In early 1950, Dowell partnered with local businessman Eddie Louthan to purchase the Dickinson Motor Company, which they renamed Louthan-Dowell Motors.[5] He went on to own dealerships in Lubbock, Fort Worth, Amarillo, and Austin,[53] and served as national chairman of the Dodge Dealers' Advisory Council as well as chairman of the truck committee of the National Automobile Dealers Association.[7] He also remained heavily involved in Texas Tech athletics, most notably as a member of the athletic council.[2]
Personal life
[edit]Dowell married Beth Wulfman on July 3, 1936, in Crosbyton, Texas,[54] although they kept the marriage a secret until after the 1936 NFL season.[55] They had two sons, John and Stephen, and one daughter, Gwynn, and were members of the First Presbyterian church.[7] The couple lived in Fort Worth for 15 years before moving to Richardson, Texas.[53] Dowell died on August 12, 1992, at a hospital in Richardson, one year after his wife's death in 1991.[53] He was buried at Royse City Cemetery in Royse City.[53]
Dowell received his nickname during his freshman season at Texas Tech due to "the mule power [he] developed on the gridiron."[56][57]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Mule Dowell". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Neelley, Bert (February 13, 1964). "Former Grid, Track Star Now On Council: "Mule" Dowell Prominent In Tech Athletic Program For 30 Years". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. p. 2C – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Gilmer Defeats Royse City, 25 to 6". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. December 9, 1930. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Hall of Fame Inductees 2017". Royse City Independent School District. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Dickinson Motor Co. Purchased: Louthan-Dowell Motors Formed By Eddie Louthan, Mule Dowell". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. March 5, 1950. p. II–10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Terrell Prep Meets Texas Tech Today". Corpus Christi Times. United Press. October 22, 1931. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d "Morgan, Dowell: Hall Nominees 'No Strangers'". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. October 18, 1963. p. 2D – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dowell Starts on Job With Raiders". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. August 2, 1939. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tech Matadors Appear Anxious For Arrival Of Bears". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. November 9, 1932. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tech Awaits Baylor Bears Tomorrow; Westerners Off". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. November 10, 1932. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Changes Made As Matadors Prepare For New Mexico". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. November 15, 1932. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tech Red Raiders Crush De Paul In Wild Clash, 48-19". The Waco News-Tribune. Associated Press. November 17, 1934. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Four Touchdowns Tops". Valley Evening Monitor. September 21, 1955. p. 12A – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Parris, Collier (November 17, 1934). "Matador Machine Clicks Smoothly To Crush De Paul Gridsters, 48 To 19". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Larry Priddy And Gwynn Dowell Are Named On All-Border Conference 11". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Associated Press. December 16, 1934. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mule Dowell Receives Most Votes in Poll". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 23, 1935. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Gwynn Dowell Is Offered Pro Contract By Dodgers". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. March 14, 1935. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Cardinals Open Practice Today for '35 Season". Chicago Daily Tribune. August 19, 1935. p. 18 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Mule Dowell NFL Game Logs". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ Strickler, George (September 16, 1935). "Chicago Cards Whip Packers In Opener, 7 To 6". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Bears Sign Elser; Cards Get Kellogg". Chicago Daily Tribune. July 21, 1936. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "1935 Chicago Cardinals (NFL)". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ Ward, Arch (March 11, 1936). "Talking It Over". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Fifty-Five Texas Tech Grid Candidates Open Spring Training Grind Today". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. March 25, 1936. p. 4 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Who's Who: With Chicago Cardinal Football Squad". The La Crosse Tribune and Leader-Press. September 18, 1936. p. 9 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Brewers Routed By Cardinals". The South Bend Tribune. August 31, 1936. p. II–2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Cardinals Rest After Defeat Of South Bend". Chicago Daily Tribune. September 1, 1936. p. 27 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dodgers Hand Cardinals 6th Loss In Row, 9-0". Chicago Daily Tribune. Associated Press. October 26, 1936. p. 21 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Cardinals Are Beaten, 13-10, By Redskins". Chicago Daily Tribune. Associated Press. November 2, 1936. p. 23 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Pirates' Title Hopes Hinge On Cardinal Game". Chicago Daily Tribune. November 13, 1936. p. 33 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Chicago Cardinals Conquer Philadelphia Eagles, 13-0". Atlantic City Press. Associated Press. November 9, 1936. p. 12 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Chicago Cardinals Win Second Tilt Of Season". The Portsmouth Times. Associated Press. November 16, 1936. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Clark, Caddel Chief Worries For Cardinals". Chicago Daily Tribune. November 21, 1936. p. 24 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "1936 Chicago Cardinals (NFL)". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved October 30, 2025.
- ^ Parris, Collier (June 25, 1939). "Mule Dowell Gets The Job". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Tolbert, Frank (January 8, 1941). "Cawthon Leaves Best Tech Team". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Texas Tech Finally Gets New Athletic Lineup Composed Of Six Hot Shot Men". San Angelo Standard-Times. March 8, 1941. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Dowell Resigns Post At Tech". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. April 3, 1946. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Two More Lubbock Young Men Receive Navy Commissions". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. April 12, 1942. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Parris, Collier (June 21, 1942). "Navy Skims More Cream!". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "News From The Boys Serving In The Armed Forces Of Uncle Sam; Lt. (jg) G. C. (Mule) Dowell". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. December 12, 1943. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Mule Dowell Visits Friends In Lubbock". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. July 1, 1945 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mule Dowell Gets Naval Decoration". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. May 17, 1945. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tech Man Wins High Honor". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. May 20, 1945. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Four Texas Tech Coaches Return". The Houston Post. Associated Press. January 22, 1946. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Red Raider Squad Takes To Gridiron For Spring Camp". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. March 5, 1946. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Red Raiders Go To Track Meet". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. March 8, 1946. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tech "B" Team Plays At Kermit Saturday". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. October 31, 1946. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ ""No Excuses," Morgan Says". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. November 5, 1946. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Hutcheson, Choc (January 31, 1947). "Sports Slants". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Stone, Charles (April 8, 1948). "New School Board Members Installed; Officers Named". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. p. 1 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "The Plainsman". Lubbock Evening Journal. February 3, 1954. p. II–6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d "G.C.Dowell". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. August 15, 1992. p. 29 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Announces Wedding Of Last July". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. December 13, 1936 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Announcement Of July Marriage Is Followed By Party Series At Lubbock". The Abilene Daily Reporter. December 28, 1936. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Laine, Tanner (September 28, 1952). "Intriguing Stories Behind Nicknames Here". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. p. VI–5 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Carmichael, Emil (November 15, 1957). "Lubbock Businessmen Trace Their Nicknames To Sports, Clothing;". Lubbock Evening Journal. p. II–11 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1913 births
- 1992 deaths
- 20th-century American sportsmen
- 20th-century Texas politicians
- American football ends
- American football fullbacks
- Chicago Cardinals players
- People from Delta County, Texas
- Players of American football from Texas
- Presbyterians from Texas
- School board members in Texas
- Texas Tech Red Raiders football players
- United States Navy personnel of World War II