What Position Did Mel Owens Play In The Nfl

So I was at a sports bar a few weeks back, nursing a lukewarm beer and watching a classic NFL throwback game on the big screen. You know the kind—grainy footage, massive shoulder pads, and names that make you feel like you’re studying ancient history. Suddenly, the announcer says, “Mel Owens with the stop!” and I froze. My buddy, a self-proclaimed football expert, squinted and asked, “Wait, what position did that guy even play?” That’s the moment I realized: Mel Owens is one of those players whose name echoes, but whose role gets fuzzy. Let’s fix that right now, because the answer is a little more interesting than you’d think.

The Quick Truth (Before I Yap Too Much)

Mel Owens played linebacker in the NFL. Specifically, he was an outside linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams from 1980 to 1989.

If you just wanted the cold, hard fact, you can stop here, but where’s the fun in that? Stick around, because his story has some sneaky twists that make that position label feel almost boring.

Trust me, you’ll see why “linebacker” doesn’t tell you everything about this guy.

A Third-Round Surprise with a Side of Speed

Mel Owens wasn’t some massive, thumping middle linebacker who parked in the A-gap. The Rams drafted him in the third round of the 1980 draft from the University of Michigan, where he was a standout.

But here’s the kicker: he wasn’t even a full-time starter right away. That’s typical for rookies, but what made him special was his speed and instincts—he wasn’t built like a tank; he played more like a guided missile.

You know that rare linebacker who can drop into coverage, blitz the quarterback, and still stop the run? That was Owens for the Rams’ defense in the early 80s. Yes, I’m basically describing a Swiss Army knife in cleats.

The “Outside” Job: More Than Just a Label

Playing outside linebacker in that era meant you had to be a hybrid. You weren’t just chasing running backs; you were often matched up on tight ends and wide receivers.

Former Michigan first-round draft pick Mel Owens selected as Golden

Owens had to cover, tackle, and read plays in a split second—like playing three positions at once. And he did it for a decade, which is insane for a position that chews up players.

I mean, imagine being asked to sprint 40 yards with a receiver, then instantly switch to stopping a 250-pound fullback. That’s the daily grind of an NFL outside linebacker, and Owens was elite at the juggling act.

An Unsung Hero of the “Defensive Backfield Era”

Here’s the ironic part: Mel Owens played during a time when the Rams’ defense was absolutely stacked with big names like Jack Youngblood and Kevin Greene. So he often got overshadowed.

But if you watch game film from his prime—and I’m not gonna lie, I stayed up late doing this—you’ll notice he was everywhere. He had 9 interceptions over his career, which for a linebacker is legitimately impressive.

That’s not just “linebacker” work, my friend. That’s playmaker work. He wasn’t just filling a gap; he was a threat to score every time a quarterback got too comfortable.

64 Mel Owens Photos & High Res Pictures - Getty Images

The Ironic Twist: He Almost Wore a Different Number

You know what’s funny? Owens wore No. 56 for most of his career, but early on, he briefly wore No. 57. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for jersey nerds like me, that’s a little gold nugget.

Why does that matter? Because No. 56 is typically associated with middle linebackers or defensive linemen, but Owens made it work on the outside. He basically redefined what that number meant for the Rams.

So next time you see an old Rams highlight with No. 56 flying into the backfield, you’ll know: that’s Mel Owens, the outside linebacker who refused to stay in his lane.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

Mel Owens played linebacker—specifically, outside linebacker—for the Los Angeles Rams from 1980 to 1989. But like most things in football, the label is just the tip of the iceberg.

He was a coverage hawk, a blitz specialist, and a run-stopper all rolled into one. Calling him “just a linebacker” is like calling a perfect burger “just beef.” Sure, it’s true, but it misses the flavor.

So the next time someone asks you, “What position did Mel Owens play?” you can smile, lean in, and say, “He was a linebacker. But honestly? He was a whole vibe.” And then buy yourself a warm beer, because you’ve earned it.