DAVIE, Fla. (June 8, 2005) -- Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Tim Bowens was waived after failing a physical, a move the team said was a precursor to retirement for the 12-year veteran.
Bowens, the last player remaining from Don Shula's tenure with the Dolphins, played in just two games last season because of a herniated disc in his back.
"I am grateful to the Dolphins for all the years I have been able to play in Miami," Bowens said in a statement released by the team. "I appreciate all of the support I have received. ... It will be exciting to remain a part of the team in my new role as a member of the Dolphins alumni."
He was originally aiming to return for 2005, but his health apparently would not allow a comeback.
"Neither Tim nor I foresee him playing for another team again other than the Dolphins due to his back injury," Bowens' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said. "He has not been cleared by his doctors and it just looked very unlikely that Tim was going to be able to play this year."
Rosenhaus said Bowens is not retiring officially yet, but acknowledged that it's unlikely that the 6-foot-4, 325-pounder would ever play again.
His departure was not unexpected; the Dolphins signed veteran free agent defensive tackle Keith Traylor this offseason, in part because of the uncertainty surrounding Bowens and last year's other projected starter, Larry Chester, who missed much of 2004 with a knee problem.
"Tim talked to me and said he wanted to retire as a Dolphin, and we wanted to accommodate his request," Dolphins coach Nick Saban said in a statement released by the team. "Today's transaction is a procedural method to allow him to do that."
