Full Breakdown
Seth McGowan’s Redemption: From Prison to the Indianapolis Colts Draft
5/4/2026, 1:35:57 PM
Core Event: Seventh-Round Selection of a Former Inmate
On April 26 2026, the Indianapolis Colts used a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select running back Seth McGowan, a 24-year-old who previously played at the University of Oklahoma, New Mexico State and the University of Kentucky.
Background & Context: Arrest, Legal Outcome, and College Journey
McGowan debuted for Oklahoma in the fall of 2020. In April 2021 he was arrested in Norman, Oklahoma, in connection with an armed robbery and assault. Court filings list felony charges of robbery, conspiracy and assault-and-battery with a dangerous weapon. He later pleaded guilty to larceny; the other charges were dismissed. He served three months in jail and received a year of probation, after which Oklahoma dismissed him.
While on probation, McGowan worked as a dishwasher and performed custodial duties at a local church, training under family friend and trainer Daymond Patterson. In 2023 he enrolled at Butler Community College (125 rushing yards in six games). He transferred to New Mexico State for the 2024 season, gaining 823 yards on a 5.4-yard average per carry. In 2025 he moved to Kentucky, where he scored 12 touchdowns—one of only four SEC players to reach that total—and posted 387 yards and seven touchdowns in the first four games before an injury.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- Fall 2020: Freshman debut at Oklahoma.
- April 2021: Arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.
- 2023: Butler Community College (125 yards, six games).
- 2024: New Mexico State (823 yards, 5.4 ypc).
- 2025: Kentucky Wildcats (12 TDs, 387 yards in first four games).
- April 26 2026: Drafted by Indianapolis Colts (7th round).
Data & Statistics: College Production and Draft Position
- Butler CC (2023): 125 rushing yards, six games.
- New Mexico State (2024): 823 rushing yards, 5.4 yards per carry.
- Kentucky (2025): 12 touchdowns, 387 yards and seven touchdowns in the first four games; total of 12 TDs for the season, placing him among four SEC players with that mark.
- Draft: Seventh-round selection, indicating a modest rookie contract compared with early-round picks.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Chris Ballard said the Colts “meticulously vetted” McGowan, citing personal relationships with former coaches and urging the organization to move beyond punitive treatment. Owner/CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon framed the pick as a challenge to skeptics, urging McGowan to prove doubters wrong. Trainer Daymond Patterson highlighted McGowan’s accountability and continued growth, noting the Colts’ investment in sports psychologists and behavioral analytics to support high-risk players. The franchise described the financial risk as minimal while the potential upside—providing depth behind Jonathan Taylor—is significant.
Criticism & Opposition
College programs initially hesitated to recruit McGowan, with several schools reportedly “scared off” by his arrest. His seventh-round draft position reflects lingering concerns about his past conduct despite his on-field production.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly in enumerating the original felony charges; some cite “multiple felonies,” while others list robbery, conspiracy and assault-and-battery with a dangerous weapon. All agree the serious charges were dismissed after a guilty plea to larceny, and that McGowan served three months in jail followed by a year of probation. No source provides details on probation conditions or post-conviction monitoring.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It cost me everything,” — Seth McGowan
- “He learned from it. And this kid was out of football for two years, and his love for the game never swayed.” — Tyler Hughes, Colts scout
- “How long are you going to keep punishing him?” — Chris Ballard, Colts general manager
- “Are you ready to prove everyone that they’re **** wrong?” — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts co-owner and CEO
- “The best thing is he's atoned for it, and he's continuing to grow,” — Daymond Patterson, trainer
What’s Next: Roster Competition and Potential Role
McGowan enters training camp competing for the RB2 and RB3 slots behind Jonathan Taylor, whose 323 carries last season prompted the Colts to seek workload reduction. Success in preseason drills and special-teams contributions will determine whether he secures a spot on the 53-man roster, with the team’s low-cost contract allowing flexibility to retain or release him based on performance.
