Notable Seminole Birthday: Butkus Award Winner Paul McGowan Turns 60

Born on Jan. 13, 1966, former Florida State All-American linebacker Paul McGowan celebrates his 60th birthday.

A native of Winter Park, McGowan was a member of the Florida State football program from 1984 to 1987. McGowan was a 3-year starter for the Seminoles and earned first-team All-South Independent in each of those seasons. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, McGowan was a 3-time All-American and finished with at least 129 tackles in each of his final three seasons.

After recording 31 tackles in a reserve role as a true freshman, McGowan broke out as a sophomore in 1985 with 136 total stops, 13 for loss, two forced fumbles and three interceptions, including a 31-yard return for a touchdown against Tulsa -- his lone career score. In 1986, McGown finished with 129 stops, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

McGowan was named a second-team All-American by The Sporting News in 1985 and an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press in 1986. That set the stage for a memorable 1987 season as McGowan was recognized as a first-team All-American while becoming the FSU player to win a major award, taking home the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.

That year, he finished with 150 total tackles, 98 unassisted, 11 for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. FSU capped the season by beating Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl to begin a streak of 14 straight top-five finishes.

For his career, McGowan recorded 446 total tackles. That ranks fourth in program history behind Aaron Carter, Ron Simmons and Reggie Herring.

Selected in the eighth round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, McGowan spent time on the practice squad for both Minnesota and the Cleveland Browns, but never played in an NFL regular-season game. McGowan would play in the World Football League for the Birmingham Fire before spending five years in the Arena Football League with the Orlando Predators. He was a 2-time All-Arena selection.

Inducted into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1994, McGowan has since enjoyed an outstanding career as a paramedic. Marvin Jones (1992) is the only other FSU linebacker to ever win the Butkus.