Dennis Owens, now Midway’s line coach, was once a New England Patriot. From 1982 to 1986, Owens played nose tackle for the Patriots. 
Dennis earned the starting NT role in the Patriots’ 1983 training camp. He may have been the team’s biggest surprise in ’82 in that he was the only rookie free agent to make the team.
He played in all 16 games in ’83 with 14 starts. In the ’83 season, he was in on 49 tackles and recorded four QB sacks
Dennis had a big day in the Patriots’ 37-21 win over San Diego (10-16-83) when he was in on five tackles and recorded one QB sack. Dennis nearly single handedly controlled the line of scrimmage and was in on seven tackles on a snow-covered Sullivan Stadium field in Patriots’ 7-0 victory over New Orleans (12-4-83).
In 1984, Dennis Owens started all 16 games at nose tackle. That season, Dennis won the game ball vs. Cincinnati on New England’s 10-14 win. During the ’84 season, he had 12 solo and 43 assisted tackles; was second best on the team in sacks with six and a half for 36 yards.
Dennis played both right DT and NG during his tenure at N.C. State where he was listed as running a 4.8 40-yard dash as a senior.
[Stats taken from 1986 Patriots’ Media Guide]
Coach Owens was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule and do a little Q&A with sorsn.
SORSN: Tell us about your football career.
Coach Owens: I grew up playing high school football in Clinton, North Carolina. I played my college ball at North Carolina State University and then played five years for the New England Patriots.
I often referred to myself as a “blue collar” NFL football player. I didn’t get drafted, I walked on.
SORSN: The 1986 Super Bowl between New England and Chicago unfortunately did not consist of many bright spots for Patriots players and fans. However, you did have one of the biggest and most memorable defensive moments of the game when you sacked the “Fridge”, William Perry. The Refrigerator Perry was a defensive lineman, however, he is probably best known for his 1 yard touchdown run in the big game. But prior to his score, he was given the opportunity earlier in the game to run the ball. QB Jim McMahon pitched the ball to the Fridge but you sacked the Refrigerator Perry! Tell us about that play. As you closed in, did you think “how am I gonna bring this guy down???”
Coach Owens: Playing in Super Bowl XX was probably one of the biggest highlights of my football career. When I played ball, I always took pride in being a good technician. I always worked hard on doing everything right. So therefore, when I saw the “Fridge” coming instincts took over and before he knew it, he was on the ground and I was back at the huddle.
SORSN: It was often said that the Patriots keyed on Walter Payton and that’s why he didn’t score in the Super Bowl. Did the defensive indeed pay any more attention to Payton than usual? (Why would you not pay attention to Payton?)
Coach Owens: I would say that Walter got special attention during that week. I think we paid a little too much attention to him and not enough on the rest of their offensive weapons.
SORSN: How bad did you want to break Jim McMahon’s neck after seeing the Super Bowl Shuffle?
Coach Owens: I didn’t take the Super Bowl Shuffle as seriously as others did.
SORSN: Do you stay in contact with any of your former teammates?
Coach Owens: Not really anymore.
SORSN: Your former teammate, Tight End Lin Dawson, is reportedly selling Toyotas in Winston-Salem. Can you get a deal on a Toyota?
Coach Owens: I didn’t know that about Lynn. I might be in the market for a new truck in a couple years.
SORSN: We at SORSN.com have connections with a Ford Lincoln Mercury dealer in Chattanooga if you’re interested in a good, low mileage Ford. [see interview with J Karl in the