Burgess Owens

Clarence Burgess Owens is an American politician and former professional football player currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Utah's 4th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Owens has been in office since 2021 and is recognized as one of the few Black Republicans in the House of Representatives. His background includes a notable career in the National Football League (NFL), where he played safety for teams such as the New York Jets and the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, winning a Super Bowl championship in 1980. In addition to his political career, Owens has engaged in various business ventures and founded a nonprofit organization focused on aiding troubled and incarcerated youth.

Early life and career

Burgess Owens was born on August 2, 1951, in Columbus, Ohio. His father, originally from Texas, moved to Ohio to pursue graduate studies that were hindered by Jim Crow laws in his home state. The family later relocated to Tallahassee, Florida, where Owens's father became a college professor. Raised in a Baptist household, Owens's upbringing was marked by the values instilled by his family.

Owens graduated from Rickards High School in Tallahassee in 1969. During his high school years, he was one of the first four African-American players to integrate a football team at a historically white institution. Following high school, he attended the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. At the university, Owens distinguished himself as a talented athlete, becoming the third Black player to earn a football scholarship. He achieved significant recognition as a defensive back, earning First-team All-American honors and accolades such as Most Valuable Defensive Player in various all-star games. His contributions to the university's football program were later recognized with his induction into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Orange Bowl "Ring of Honor" in 1999.

House tenure

Owens's professional football career began when he was selected by the New York Jets as the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, returning a kickoff for a touchdown during his rookie season, a feat that marked a significant moment for the Jets. Throughout the 1970s, Owens was a regular starter for the team and later contributed to the Raiders' success, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 1980.

After retiring from professional football in 1983, Owens transitioned to various business ventures. He initially attempted to run a business selling electronics but faced financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy. Subsequently, he worked in different roles, including as a chimney sweep and security guard, before moving into sales positions with companies like WordPerfect, Sprint, and Motorola. In 2019, he founded Second Chance 4 Youth, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting troubled and incarcerated youth.

Owens entered politics in 2019, announcing his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Utah's 4th congressional district. He won the Republican primary in June 2020 with a significant margin over his opponents and subsequently faced Democratic incumbent Ben McAdams in the general election. Owens's campaign gained national attention, and he was a speaker at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Following a closely contested election, he was declared the winner, officially beginning his congressional term in January 2021.

Legislative focus and committees

Since taking office, Owens has been involved in various legislative activities and committee assignments. He is currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Committee on Education and Workforce, where he also participates in several subcommittees, including those focusing on early childhood education, higher education, and health and labor issues. Additionally, he serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, contributing to discussions on aviation, highways, and railroads.

Owens's legislative record includes notable positions on several key issues. He opposed the For the People Act, which aimed to reform election laws, reflecting his alignment with Republican priorities. He also co-sponsored the Fairness for All Act, which seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity while ensuring the protection of religious freedoms.

Throughout his tenure, Owens has been an active member of the Republican Study Committee and the Congressional Western Caucus, aligning with groups that advocate for conservative policies and issues pertinent to the western United States.

As of March 4, 2026, Owens announced that he would not seek re-election, marking a significant moment in his political career. His decision comes amid a changing political landscape in Utah, where new congressional district maps have been drawn, creating one Democratic-leaning district and three districts favoring Republican candidates.

Owens's journey from professional athlete to U.S. Representative illustrates a diverse career marked by significant achievements in both sports and public service. His ongoing contributions to legislative discussions and community initiatives reflect his commitment to the constituents of Utah's 4th congressional district.