University of Central Florida Cornerback Tay Gowan Opts Out of Season and Declares for 2021 NFL Draft
By Sade Teel // September 13, 2020
among the group of 10 UCF football players that chose to opt-out of the 2020 season
University of Central Florida Cornerback Tay Gowan has opted out of playing in the 2020 football season because of concerns regarding his daughter’s health.
The redshirt senior posted on social media last week thanking Knights fans for their support throughout his time at UCF and explains his reasoning for opting out.
“I’m a father first to a beautiful baby girl who was born prematurely with health problems,” said Gowan on Twitter. “I have also tested positive for COVID in the past and I will not put my daughter’s health at risk again… her health is important; my health is important.”
Gowan also thanked the UCF football program and the coaching staff before announcing he was entering his name into the 2021 NFL draft.
“I’ve come to the toughest decision in my life as a man and I have to stand on what I believe is right. I love this game with all my heart and never thought I’d have to make this decision. With that being said I WILL BE ENTERING MY NAME IN THE 2021 DRAFT!!! #23OUT #GowanIsland,” said Gowan.
Gowan was among the group of 10 UCF football players that chose to opt-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.
“Everybody’s perspective and situation with COVID-19 is different and there all valid and real,” said UCF head coach Josh Heupel. “We’ve tried to educate our guys continuously as to what the best practices are. Educate them as to what we’re doing here to keep them as safe as possible. Each of these kids who chose to opt-out have different reasons behind their decisions. They’re valid, they’re real and we support those guys.”
Gowan transferred into the UCF football program in 2018, had 31 tackles broken into 13 games for the Knights in the 2019 season. He transitioned to cornerback after Brandon Moore endured a season-ending ACL injury in the second half of the 2019 season opener against Florida A&M on Aug. 29.
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