At Feitshans High School he was an All-state selection in both football and basketball. He went on to play basketball at Iowa State University, before focusing on football after his sophomore season and proceeding to lead the team in receiving for 3 consecutive years. He began as a defensive back before being switched to wide receiver. As a senior in 1970, he had the most prolific receiving season in school history up to that point, breaking single-season school records in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He also led the Big Eight in all three categories and ranked 13th nationally in receiving, earning first-team all-Big Eight honors. His 59 catches ranks fifth all-time and his 822 receiving yards seventh all-time in school history for a season. He finished his career as Iowa State University all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, and second in career touchdowns. He still ranks third in career receptions and fifth in receiving yards. In 2008, he was inducted into the Iowa State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Professional career
Miami Dolphins
Stowe was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round. Six of the receptions for 140 yards and both touchdowns came in a single Monday Night Football game against the St. Louis Cardinals while replacing an injured Warfield. Despite winning a Super Bowl, he requested to be traded after the season. On May 10, 1973, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for wide receiver Ron Sellers and a second round draft choice. He played on two Super Bowl teams, including the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins.
Dallas Cowboys
In 1973, he was having a Pro Bowl type season starting opposite to Bob Hayes, but suffered a broken ankle in the seventh game against the Philadelphia Eagles, that placed him on the injured reserve list and would hamper him for the rest of his career. He was replaced with rookie Drew Pearson for the rest of the season, but still led the team with 6 touchdown receptions and was second in receiving with 389 yards. Even though he was starting for the Cowboys, he wasn't happy with his contract, so he was traded to the Denver Broncos for a third round draft choice on September 5, 1974.
Denver Broncos
In 1974, he had a disappointing season after not being fully recovered from his previous injury which limited his mobility. He appeared in 8 games, while registering 2 receptions for 9 yards and one touchdown. On May 6, 1975, he was traded along with a sixth round draft choice to the Los Angeles Rams, as compensation for signing free agentPhil Olsen.
On August 18, Stowe informed the Los Angeles Rams of his decision to retire before the start of the 1975 season. He finished his career after only four seasons, registering 43 receptions, 742 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
