Hall of Fame
Shawn Bouwens, a graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School, was one of the most dominant offensive linemen ever to don a Nebraska Wesleyan football uniform. In his years as a Plainsman, the four-year starter earned a spot on the All-NIAC first team twice, received NAIA Division II All-America honorable mention in 1988, made first team in 1989 and was an Associated Press Little All-American his senior season.
           In 1989, his pass blocking allowed the Plainsmen to rush for 216.2 yards per game, accumulate 421.8 in total offense per game and score an average of 33.7 points, all of which rank second on the NWU all-time charts. The Plainsmen also finished with a stellar 9-1 record that year.
           In 1990, Bouwens became only the second player in NWU history to be selected in the National Football League draft when the New England Patriots chose him in the ninth round. He then spent four seasons with the Detroit Lions and played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995.
           In 1997, after his stint in the NFL, Shawn returned to Nebraska Wesleyan to complete requirements for his degree in business administration. Shawn’s #69 is just the second number to be retired in team history.
