In the world of sports, second chances often define the most compelling comeback stories. The Indianapolis Colts are betting on just that with their recent draft pick, running back Seth McGowan—a player whose journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional.

McGowan's path took a sharp detour during his freshman year at Oklahoma in 2020, when he was arrested for stealing marijuana, jewelry, and cash. He pleaded guilty, served three months in jail, and was dismissed from the team. For a young athlete with NFL dreams, it was a devastating blow—one that kept him off the college football field until 2023.

But Colts General Manager Chris Ballard sees more than just a rap sheet. He sees a player who has paid his dues and earned a fresh start. "I'm a second chance guy," Ballard said. "How long do you keep punishing him for it?"

After leaving Oklahoma, McGowan's journey took him through Texas College (where he never played), Butler Community College (where he returned to action in 2023), New Mexico State (2024), and finally Kentucky (2025). It's a winding road that shows resilience, even if the stats don't always tell the full story.

Ballard is quick to point out that the Colts didn't take this decision lightly. "Seth is a guy we've been watching for a while," he explained. "He had the incident when he was at Oklahoma, which we know and we vetted hard. His relationship with our running back coach, our relationship with coaches at Kentucky and at New Mexico State—they all speak very highly of the young man and who he is and how he works."

One key factor in the Colts' confidence? Ballard's long-standing friendship with New Mexico State head coach Tony Sanchez. "I don't know if he really wanted to leave New Mexico State, but just financially it was so he didn't have a choice," Ballard said. "That's kind of what Tony had said to me. He said, 'Look, Chris, he needed to go just 'cause financially it was the best thing for him.'"

For McGowan, this draft pick represents more than just a roster spot—it's a chance to rewrite his narrative. And for the Colts, it's a reminder that sometimes the best players aren't just the ones with the cleanest records, but the ones who have learned the hardest lessons. As Ballard put it, "You learn your lesson, you make a mistake, you pay the price for it, and then you move on."