Fowler attended Lakewood High School in Saint St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was a two-sport star in football and track. Fowler was named an honorable mention to the Sports Illustrated All-American football team following his senior season, and was selected to the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game. In track, Fowler competed as a shot putter, recording a top-throw of 14.32 meters (47-ft).
He played college football for the University of Florida, and was selected third overall by the Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft. During his freshman year, Fowler moved to the outside linebacker position. Fowler played in all 13 games and started his first game against Missouri.
He recorded 30 tackles, including eight for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
He was named to numerous freshman all-American teams. In 2013, Fowler started all 13 game for the Gators, and was named a team captain for the two final games of the season.
He recorded 50 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. In 2014, he slimmed down from 277 to 261 pounds, in an effort to be a more explosive edge player for the Gators.
He recorded 60 tackles, including 15 for loss, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, and was named an first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection by the conference"s coaches.
In his final game, the 2015 Birmingham Bowl vs East Carolina, he recorded three sacks helping the Gators to the 28-20 victory. On November 19, 2014, Fowler tweeted that he would leave the school with Will Muschamp, who announced he would step down as head coach. Fowler made his intentions to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
2015 NFL Draft Fowler was selected with the third overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars On May 8, 2015, Fowler tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament on the first day of mini-camp and missed the entirety of his rookie season. On May 12, four days after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Fowler signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $23.5 million contract, with a $15.3 million signing bonus.
