Is Dare Ogunbowale related to Arike Ogunbowale? Explaining familial connection between Texans RB and Wings star

David Suggs

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Is Dare Ogunbowale related to Arike Ogunbowale? Explaining familial connection between Texans RB and Wings star image

The Ogunbowale name is a notable one in the world of sports.

There are a pair of reasons for such a phenomenon to have taken shape. Dare Ogunbowale, 30, is a fan favorite in Houston, having established himself as a versatile talent in the backfield, capable of running, blocking, fielding passes and even kicking the ball through the uprights during his eight-year NFL career.

It took a lot for the Texans tailback to make an impact in the NFL, but since tasting his first bit of big-league success in 2019, Dare Ogunbowale hasn't let go. And he figures to be an important — if understated — member of DeMeco Ryans' roster in 2024.

He's not the only Ogunbowale making waves in the Lone Star State, however. So too is 27-year-old Arike, a microwave-like talent who stars for the WNBA's Dallas Wings.

The connection between Dare and Arike Ogunbowale isn't just coincidental. It's familial, too.

Here's a closer look at the connection between the do-it-all running back and the Wings supernova.

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Is Dare Ogunbowale related to Arike Ogunbowale? 

Dare Ogunbowale is, indeed, related to Arike Ogunbowale. The two are siblings.

Dare was the first sibling to showcase his sporting prowess, initially walking onto Wisconsin's football team after a glimmering career at Marquette University High School. He overcame his initial wobbles, eventually emerging as a vital member of Paul Chryst's side.

Dare Ogunbowale racked up more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage during his time with the Badgers.

Dare Ogunbowale parlayed that success into an opportunity with the Texans after failing to hear his name called in the 2017 NFL Draft. After a sordid odyssey that saw him play for three different franchises' practice squads, Dare Ogunbowale finally got his chance in the spotlight in 2018, signing with the Buccaneers. Dare Ogunbowale was promoted to the first-team setup in November 2018. He was named a team captain in 2019 and posted totals of 35 catches, 286 receiving yards and two rushing scores that same season.

Dare Ogunbowale eventually rejoined Houston ahead of the 2022 season. He's proven a formidable force in the special teams since his return, even supplanting kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn in a game against the Bucs last season. After sinking a field goal in the contest, Dare Ogunbowale became the first non-kicker to successfully convert a field goal attempt since 2004.

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Arike Ogunbowale, meanwhile, is one of the WNBA's most feared scorers, having led Notre Dame to a national title before being selected fifth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft.

The four-time WNBA All-Star is one of the W's most decorated players. In addition to her All-Star appearances, she has appearances on the All-WNBA first (2020) and second (2021) teams. She's also tended to save her best for the biggest moments — Arike Ogunbowale has not one but two All-Star Game MVPs, the most recent of which saw her break the game's scoring record with a 34-point outburst against Team USA.

Dare Ogunbowale is three years older than his younger sister. The duo still share a close bond, with Arike Ogunbowale waxing lyrical about the role her older brother played in her life — both on and off the court.

"I go to him with really everything, before a game, after a game. I talk to him every day about everything," Arike Ogunbowale said, via the Buccaneers' team website. "He's my best friend. It's definitely good to have him go through everything he goes through and he's super smart. He knows a lot of things outside of sports; life situations, basketball, anything. It's definitely good to have him in my life."

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.