ORONO, Maine -- If it wasn't for a bit of misfortune, Brandon McGowan may never have attended the University of Maine.

 

He was a standout safety at Lincoln High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, but suffered a broken leg during his senior season. That took him off the radar of a lot of Division I schools.

 

UMaine was lucky to see McGowan play in a postseason all-star game. A campus visit, and the chance to work with defensive coach Torian Gray, who played in the National Football League, sold McGowan. 

 

"Being coached by someone that played at the highest level and understands it, that was a big reason for me to make my decision," McGowan said.

 

McGowan established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the Atlantic 10 Football Conference. He was a two-time all-league selection and as a senior in 2004 claimed a spot on the Division I-AA All-America Team.

 

McGowan's hard-hitting style propelled him to the National Football League and his accomplishments have secured his place in the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame.

 

"I enjoyed my time in Maine, especially the camaraderie I built with my teammates," McGowan said.

 

He credited head coach Jack Cosgrove, defensive coordinator Rich Nagy and secondary coaches Gray and Robb Smith with enhancing his development on and off the field.

 

"Coach Cosgrove is a great man. I love that guy," McGowan said.

 

McGowan's presence on the defense coincided with an exciting four-year stretch during which UMaine compiled a 32-17 record, won two A-10 championships and twice reached the NCAA national quarterfinals.

 

"Because of Maine, I am the man who I am today," he said.

 

As a freshman, McGowan excelled on special teams. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder was among three future NFLers (Stephen Cooper, Lofa Tatupu) on a 9-3 team that shared the A-10 title and  won its first NCAA postseason game.

 

In 2002, he burst onto the scene by making 94 tackles with three interceptions as UMaine claimed another A-10 crown and again advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals.

 

McGowan was grateful for the support provided by his teammates, especially Cooper, as he gained confidence.

 

"He kept me in line and showed me the ropes," said McGowan, who credited Gray with teaching him how to break down film to evaluate his own performance and to prepare for opponents.

 

Cooper bequeathed his No. 4 jersey to McGowan, who embraced the honor by having another superb season. He moved from rover to free safety and logged 85 tackles for the Black Bears on the way to a spot on the All-A10 second team.

 

In 2004, returned to the rover spot and continued to dominate. His performance was instrumental in the Black Bears' stunning 9-7 victory at Mississippi State, the program's first over a Division I-A opponent.

 

"I think he probably was the best player on the field in the win over Mississippi State," Cosgrove said. "He had an outstanding game on defense and really had an impact on the outcome."

 

McGowan, who made 12 tackles, including 1 1/2 sacks, remembers it fondly.

 

"That game was phenomenal. The atmosphere was ridiculous," he said.

 

McGowan finished the season with 101 tackles and three interceptions, was selected for the A-10 First Team and was named an Associated Press Division I-AA All-American.

 

During his 44-game career, McGowan registered 293 tackles, including 20 for a loss, with seven interceptions, five fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

 

"He was able to become a leader himself by the time he graduated," Cosgrove said. "It wasn't just his impact on games, it was his impact on the younger players in the program."

 

In 2005, McGowan signed a free-agent contract with the NFL's Chicago Bears. There, he again crossed paths with coach Gray, who helped McGowan adjust to the pro game.

 

"He would stay an extra 30 or 45 minutes to watch some more tape with me," he said.

 

McGowan appeared in 41 games over five NFL seasons and made 191 tackles with four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

 

In 2007, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, McGowan intercepted Packers quarterback Brett Favre to clinch a 27-20 victory.

 

"One of my fondest memories was picking off the Hall of Famer, and the legend himself, Brett Favre," he said. "That was pretty amazing in my eyes."

 

McGowan's best season came during 2008-09, when he posted a career-high 78 tackles for the New England Patriots.

 

McGowan, who lives near Chicago with his wife Ranee, is a logistics broker for Haulistics. He is an assistant football coach for his sons' high school team.

 

Braylen, 18, is playing at Olivet Nazarene University, and Dallas, 14, is a high school freshman.

 

"I've got to coach my kids, watch them grow and enjoy the game of football," said McGowan, who praised the support of his parents, Kyle McGowan and Annie Herring, and his entire family.
--
The University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting five individuals, as well as teams from three sports, at its annual banquet on Sept. 26 at Jeff's Catering in Brewer.