He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Texas, becoming a starter at fullback and the team's leader in rushing yards (429 yards) as a sophomore. He was a two-way player and was also a starting linebacker. As a senior, he was moved to halfback.[2]
Professional career
San Francisco 49ers (first stint)
Dowdle was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifteenth round (179th overall) of the 1960 NFL Draft. He was tried at fullback and eventually waived on September 13.