Football fans looking for the latest on Rico Dowdle are in for a treat. This article covers everything about the NFL running back—from his personal life and early beginnings to his professional achievements, net worth, contract details, and career stats.
You’ll find out about his journey from undrafted rookie to starting back, his family, and how much he’s earned so far.
Rico Dowdle’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rico Sharod Dowdle Jr. |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Education | University of South Carolina |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2020 |
| Net Worth | $4.3 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $4.28 million (career earnings, 2020–2025) |
| Wife/Partner | Shar’e “Shay” Harrison |
| Children | 2 daughters (Araiya A’mour, Amina Ahpri) |
| Instagram Profile | Private |
| Twitter Profile | @ricodowdle |
Early Career
Rico Dowdle grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where he attended A.C. Reynolds High School. His high school years were nothing short of spectacular. As a senior, he switched from running back to quarterback and led his team to an impressive 11-2 record.
That year, he rushed for 2,545 yards and scored 51 touchdowns, while also passing for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. His versatility earned him All-WNC Player of the Year, Parade All-American, and All-State honors.
He also set a Western North Carolina single-season record with 63 total touchdowns. After high school, Dowdle committed to the University of South Carolina, where he played college football for the Gamecocks. At South Carolina, he finished 15th on the school’s all-time rushing list with 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns in 39 games.
Professional Career
Dowdle entered the NFL in 2020 as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Dallas Cowboys. He made the team’s final roster as a rookie, mainly contributing on special teams. Injuries limited his playing time early in his career, including a hip injury that forced him to miss the entire 2021 season.
Despite setbacks, Dowdle worked his way up from a special teams player to the Cowboys’ lead running back by 2024. That season, he rushed for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns, adding 249 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.
His breakout year caught the attention of fans and analysts, and he became a key part of Dallas’ offense. In 2025, Dowdle signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers, returning close to his North Carolina roots. He is expected to serve as the backup to Chuba Hubbard while providing valuable depth and experience to the Panthers’ backfield.
Girlfriend
Rico Dowdle is in a long-term relationship with Shar’e “Shay” Harrison, who is often referred to as his wife by family and fans, though neither has publicly confirmed their marital status.
The couple has been together since high school and has two daughters: Araiya A’mour, born in December 2020, and Amina Ahpri, born in February 2023. Shay Harrison is an esthetician and body sculptor, and she maintains a private social media presence.
Dowdle frequently shares his love for his family on social media, calling himself a proud “girl dad.” Their relationship is marked by strong support and a focus on privacy, with both keeping their personal lives mostly out of the public eye.
Rico Dowdle’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Rico Dowdle’s estimated net worth is around $4.3 million.
Contract
After five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Dowdle signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers for the 2025 season. The contract is worth $2.75 million and includes a $1 million signing bonus. This move gives Dowdle a fresh start near his hometown while positioning him as a reliable backup and potential contributor for the Panthers.
Salary
Dowdle earned a base salary of $1,055,000 and a signing bonus of $200,000 with the Cowboys, totaling $1,255,000 for the season. His new contract with the Panthers in 2025 is significantly higher, reflecting his growing value as a proven NFL running back.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dallas Cowboys | $610,000 | $10,000 | $718,838 |
| 2021 | Dallas Cowboys | $440,000 | — | $440,000 |
| 2022 | Dallas Cowboys | $825,000 | — | $825,000 |
| 2023 | Dallas Cowboys | $940,000 | $100,000 | $1,040,000 |
| 2024 | Dallas Cowboys | $1,055,000 | $200,000 | $1,255,000 |
| 2025 | Carolina Panthers | — | $1,000,000 | $2,750,000* |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games | Rushes | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Dallas Cowboys | 15 | 7 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Dallas Cowboys | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Dallas Cowboys | 5 | 6 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 75 | 307 | 2 | 12 | 82 | 2 |
| 2024 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 235 | 1,079 | 2 | 39 | 249 | 3 |
| 2025 | Carolina Panthers | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
FAQs
1. Who is Rico Dowdle?
Rico Dowdle is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Carolina Panthers. He began his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and has since established himself as a reliable and versatile player.
2. What is Rico Dowdle’s net worth?
Rico Dowdle’s net worth is estimated to be around $4.3 million. This figure is based on his NFL contracts, signing bonuses, and career earnings over the past five seasons.
3. How much is Rico Dowdle’s current contract with the Panthers worth?
Rico Dowdle signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers for the 2025 season worth $2.75 million, which includes a $1 million signing bonus. This deal places him as a key backup running back for the team.
4. Does Rico Dowdle have children?
Yes, Rico Dowdle and his longtime partner, Shar’e “Shay” Harrison, have two daughters: Araiya A’mour, born in December 2020, and Amina Ahpri, born in February 2023. Dowdle often shares his pride in being a father on social media.
5. What were Rico Dowdle’s best NFL stats in a single season?
Rico Dowdle’s best NFL season was with the Dallas Cowboys, when he rushed for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns while adding 39 receptions for 249 yards and three receiving touchdowns. This breakout year marked him as a starting-caliber running back.
