The University of Hawai‘i has been unveiling its Sports Circle of Honor Class of 2025 throughout the past week, and on Thursday, former football standout Chad Owens was revealed as the latest inductee.
The former walk-on turned All-American receiver and kick returner was surprised with the news by his former teammate and current UH associate head coach, Chris Brown.
Owens believed he was filming a video on kick return techniques before Brown revealed the true reason for his visit. Hawai‘i Athletics later released a video capturing the emotional moment when Owens learned of his induction.
“To be out on this field—this is where it all started,” Owens said. “I remember my very first summer workout here at Cooke Field. Nick Rolovich threw me a seam route at about 100 miles an hour, and it nearly took my finger off. That was my welcome to college football. But you know, that was just part of my story. Another step, another setback to overcome.”
Owens, a Roosevelt High School graduate, played a pivotal role for the Rainbow Warriors in the early 2000s, becoming one of the most electrifying players in program history. His journey from an unheralded walk-on to a record-setting return specialist and receiver helped lay the foundation for a professional career that included a CFL Most Outstanding Player award and a spot in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
“Being a walk-on laid the foundation for my entire career and even now,” Owens said. “This is truly, truly an honor.”
Owens joins former UH softball star Kelly Majam and longtime broadcaster Chris McLachlin as members of the Circle of Honor Class of 2025.
An official enshrinement ceremony is set for May. Stay with KHON2 Sports on-air and online for more details.