Laker Legacy: From the Gridiron to Nashville: Garrett Owens’ next big play
Anyone who recalls Mercyhurst Laker Garrett Owens ’20 envisions a powerhouse on the gridiron—a dynamic 6’3”, 225-pound running back who was impossible to ignore.
After graduating from Mercyhurst with a degree in Finance, Owens continued his eligibility as a grad student with the Duquesne University Dukes and then went on to play professionally for the XFL Houston Roughnecks.
As much as he’s passionate about football, it’s no longer priority number one. A hobby that took root his freshman year at Mercyhurst—country music—is blossoming in a big way. In fact, he recently moved to Nashville in hopes of elevating his music career to the next level.
Taking inspiration from growing up in the bucolic community of North East, his football career, life lessons, and faith, Owens has now set out to write and record his own music. “I write music based on what I feel, what I believe in, and what I’ve experienced in life,” he said. “For me, it’s a way to speak the truth and make a positive impact on other people’s lives.”
His music—marked by intricate guitar work and soulful vocals—delves into themes of love, loss, and personal reflection, a stark contrast to the hard-hitting world of football. Yet, true to his competitive spirit, Owens refuses to be confined to a single genre. While he leans into country rock, his influences span the gamut from country legends George Strait and Travis Tritt to rock icons 3 Doors Down, Nickelback, and Creed, even weaving in elements of gospel.
Owens’ musical journey was as unexpected as it was inevitable. Though his mother was a country singer, it wasn’t until his freshman year at Mercyhurst that he picked up a guitar and taught himself to play. “I just did it for fun, but when I got into grad school, I started writing songs, and they were all horrible,” he laughed, ever his own toughest critic.
But an emerging fan base felt otherwise. While he was in Texas, his streaming platforms began generating a national audience, and by the time he got back to Erie in the summer of 2023, he was performing at festivals and community events to thousands of people across the tri-state region.
In short order, he made the leap to Nashville, cutting a few singles before relocating there permanently to work on his first album. “It’s all pretty surreal,” he admitted. “I never had any expectations when I started, but I knew there was truth in what I was writing—I just had to say it.”
His latest single, "This Road I'm On," speaks to the challenges of chasing dreams and the often-lonely journey it entails. Its message of perseverance and purpose has resonated deeply with listeners, many of whom have reached out to share how his lyrics have affected them.
Though he’s fully invested in making a name for himself in the music industry, Owens hasn’t ruled out a return to football. Regardless of what the future holds, one thing remains clear: whether on the field or stage, he sees his platform as an opportunity to be a light in the world with God at the heart of it.
Where to learn more about Garrett:
Website
YouTube Channel
Facebook
Podcast: JUSTGO