Owens: 'Dawg' Mentality Drives Colts Special Teams

At 31, veteran safety Jonathan Owens is targeting a leadership role on the Indianapolis Colts' special teams. He aims to carry on the legacy of journeymen safeties he observed early in his career, who navigated the league through special teams contributions.

Owens has been recognized by special teams coordinator Brian Mason as a prospective breakout player. His role as "personal protector" involves crucial on-field alignment and blocking blitzers, tasks he embraces with accountability and pressure.

His career has seen shifts between defensive and special teams focus. After limited defensive snaps early on, he became a starter in 2022, but his special teams role expanded again with subsequent teams, including extensive play in Chicago.

Joining the Colts, Owens has carved out a vital special teams spot and mentors rookie safety A.J. Haulcy. He brings a "different energy" and nine years of diverse experience, offering a unique perspective to coaches and players.

Owens strives to lead by example on special teams, maintaining high energy and effort regardless of his defensive role. He believes this commitment is contagious, especially for younger players like Haulcy, demonstrating sustained performance over his nine-year career.

Further integrating into the team culture, Owens has helped establish an "accountability board" within the secondary. This player-driven initiative encourages constructive feedback, fostering competition and mutual improvement within the team.