INDIANAPOLIS -- When running back Seth McGowan went from prized University of Oklahoma recruit to restaurant dishwasher, he was about as far removed from major college football as one could imagine.
For two years, he unsuccessfully found a way back to college football's highest level. More specifically, he contended with two years of odd jobs, grueling workouts with no immediate payoff and a series of closed doors.
And McGowan had no one to blame but himself.
McGowan was dismissed from Oklahoma and later charged with multiple felonies in connection with a 2021 armed robbery and assault in Norman, Oklahoma. Former teammate Trejan Bridges was accused of using a handgun in the commission of the crime and was also dismissed from the team and charged.
Both faced felony charges of robbery, conspiracy and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to court documents. McGowan pleaded guilty to larceny, and the other charges were dismissed. He spent three months in jail and was later sentenced to a year of probation.
"It cost me everything," he said.
Now, he has another chance.
The Indianapolis Colts selected McGowan in the seventh round of April's draft, marking the next step in his story after his strong season at Kentucky in 2025. There is a chance for real playing time behind star back Jonathan Taylor, whose workload the Colts would love to reduce.
Seth McGowan was one of just four SEC players to run for 12 touchdowns last season with Kentucky. Stacy Revere/Getty Images "Seth made an unfortunate decision early on in his career," Colts scout Tyler Hughes said. "He learned from it. And this kid was out of football for two years, and his love for the game never swayed.
"This kid fought to be where he's at today."
The armed robbery occurred in April 2021, not long after McGowan made his Oklahoma debut as a freshman in the fall of 2020.
After missing two years of football, a future in the sport seemed unlikely. But back home in Mesquite, Texas, with dim prospects for his next stop, McGowan got back to work. He trained relentlessly with family friend and noted trainer Daymond Patterson, who has worked with Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
McGowan also worked various jobs to make ends meet, such as dishwashing and another gig at a local church. It was not the future McGowan had envisioned. But playing opportunities were not materializing because schools were scared off by his arrest.