COLUMBUS, Ohio – After another winding journey, former Otterbein University standout wide receiver Julian Lowe will make his long-awaited professional debut this Saturday, May 25 as part of the Arena Football League (AFL) inside Nationwide Arena.

Lowe, signed to a one-year deal by the AFL's Columbus Destroyers expansion franchise back in early April after impressing during a private workout, has been officially activated off injured reserve following a sprained MCL setback. He will suit up for the first time this weekend against the Washington Valor (2-2) at 3:30 p.m.

"Like a lot of things in life, this entire process has reminded me to be patient," said Lowe, a Gahanna native who graduated with a degree in allied health. "It's been synonymous to how it was in college, where my first couple stops didn't work out and then I received a great opportunity at Otterbein. My experience there taught me to keep grinding, understand that timing is everything and that something will pop up. There have been anxious moments, but I stayed in shape and felt confident my number would be called at some point."

Lowe was a 3x All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection for the Cardinals from 2015-17 after transferring in from Akron, ultimately posting 196 receptions for 2,318 yards and a school-record 30 touchdown catches in just three years. He ranks second all-time in receptions and fourth in yards.

"Julian deserves everything he gets," Otterbein head coach Tim Doup said. "He is one of the hardest working athletes I have ever seen and got it in his mind that he could play professionally. Even though it's been over a year, he stayed the course and remained focused on that goal. I couldn't be happier for him..."

"I have coached a lot of kids, but never seen anyone with a gas tank like he has," Doup continued. "His intensity is non-stop and he goes until he can't go anymore. I know he will give the Destroyers everything he's got."

Lowe, who will wear No. 7 for the Destroyers, is now part of the 24-man active roster and is expected to see a good amount of snaps for a balanced receiving corps. He is looking to produce in any way possible as Columbus currently holds an 0-4 record after falling, 56-40, to the Albany Empire in its home opener last weekend.

"Getting to know the guys in this locker room has been great," Lowe said. "It helps keep a lot of things in perspective because everyone has their own story. You probably aren't the only man going through the same journey. Transferring in college was a big adjustment and that experience has helped me now, transitioning to a new culture, new teammates and a new system. I am ready to go."

Lowe was also a standout sprinter for Otterbein's track and field program, qualifying for the NCAA Indoor Championships and setting a new OAC record, at the time, of 22.19 in the 200-meter dash.

Saturday's game against Washington will be broadcast live on ESPN3. See below for info on tickets, venue, and home pages for the AFL and Destroyers.

DESTROYERS TICKETS
DESTROYERS HOME PAGE
NATIONWIDE ARENA
AFL WEBSITE