Fans searching for Arike Ogunbowale brother are often surprised to learn that her family includes another accomplished professional athlete. Arike Ogunbowale has an older brother, Dare Ogunbowale, an NFL running back who has built a successful football career. Their achievements, combined with their family’s impressive athletic background, have made the Ogunbowales one of the most recognizable sports families in the United States.
While Arike has become one of the WNBA’s biggest stars through her clutch scoring and All-Star performances, Dare has established himself as a dependable NFL player and valuable special teams contributor. Their shared commitment to excellence has drawn widespread attention from basketball and football fans alike.
Who Is Arike Ogunbowale’s Brother?
Arike Ogunbowale’s brother is Dare Ogunbowale, a professional football player who has spent multiple seasons in the NFL. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dare is one of Arike’s two older brothers.
The Ogunbowale siblings grew up in a household where athletics were an important part of everyday life. Their parents encouraged participation in sports from an early age, helping both children develop the discipline and competitive mindset that later fueled their professional careers.
Dare attended Marquette University High School before playing college football at the University of Wisconsin. Although he initially joined the Badgers as a walk-on defensive back, he eventually transitioned to running back and became one of the team’s respected leaders.
His journey to the NFL was not straightforward. After going undrafted in 2017, he earned opportunities through perseverance and hard work, eventually carving out a long professional career.
The Ogunbowale Family’s Athletic Background
The success of Arike and Dare did not happen by accident. Their family has a rich athletic history that spans multiple sports.
Their parents are:
- Gregory Ogunbowale, who immigrated from Nigeria and previously played soccer and rugby before serving in the Nigerian military.
- Yolanda Block Ogunbowale, a former collegiate softball pitcher at DePaul University.
Arike is the youngest of three children. In addition to Dare, she also has an older brother named Mario.
Growing up in such an active household meant sports became a natural part of family life. Basketball, football, soccer, and other athletic activities were common throughout their childhood.
Arike has often spoken about the competitive environment at home, where siblings constantly challenged one another to improve.
Dare Ogunbowale’s Football Career
For those researching Arike Ogunbowale brother, Dare’s football journey is equally inspiring.
At Wisconsin, Dare transformed from a walk-on player into a team captain. His versatility allowed him to contribute as both a runner and receiver, finishing his college career with more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
Although he was not selected in the NFL Draft, he continued pursuing professional football.
Throughout his NFL career, Dare has played for several teams, including:
- Washington Football Team (practice squad)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Houston Texans
His versatility has made him valuable as both a running back and special teams player.
One of his most memorable NFL moments came during the 2023 season when he successfully kicked a game-winning field goal for the Houston Texans after injuries left the team without its regular kicker. The unusual achievement showcased his adaptability and became one of the NFL’s most talked-about stories that season.
He has continued contributing to the Texans as both a running back and a key special teams performer.
Arike Ogunbowale’s Basketball Success
While many fans discover Dare because they search for Arike Ogunbowale brother, Arike has built an outstanding basketball résumé of her own.
She first gained national recognition at Notre Dame by hitting two unforgettable game-winning shots during the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four.
Her clutch performances helped Notre Dame capture the national championship and established her reputation as one of college basketball’s biggest stars.
After entering the WNBA, she was selected by the Dallas Wings and quickly became one of the league’s premier scoring guards.
Some highlights of her professional career include:
- Multiple WNBA All-Star selections
- WNBA All-Star Game MVP honors
- One of the league’s top scorers
- Consistent offensive leader for the Dallas Wings
- International basketball experience during WNBA offseasons
Her fearless shooting ability and confidence in late-game situations have earned her a reputation as one of basketball’s most clutch players.
A Family Built on Competition
The Ogunbowale siblings frequently credit their upbringing for their success.
Rather than specializing in a single sport from childhood, both Arike and Dare played multiple sports while growing up.
Arike excelled not only in basketball but also in soccer. She won multiple Wisconsin State Cup championships before eventually focusing on basketball full time.
Meanwhile, Dare participated in football, basketball, soccer, and track during high school.
Playing several sports helped both athletes develop:
- Athletic versatility
- Leadership skills
- Competitive instincts
- Mental toughness
- Teamwork
These qualities have remained evident throughout their professional careers.
How Close Are Arike and Dare Ogunbowale?
Arike and Dare appear to maintain a strong sibling relationship despite playing different professional sports.
Both have publicly celebrated each other’s accomplishments over the years.
Whether congratulating major career milestones or supporting one another during important games, the siblings have consistently shown mutual respect and encouragement.
Because they compete in different leagues with different schedules, opportunities to attend each other’s games may vary. Nevertheless, they have frequently spoken positively about their family’s close bond.
Their shared success has made the Ogunbowale name recognizable across both basketball and football.
Nigerian Heritage and Family Values
The Ogunbowale family proudly embraces its Nigerian heritage.
Arike’s first name comes from the Yoruba language and is commonly understood to mean someone who is cherished or treasured.
The family has often discussed the importance of education, discipline, humility, and hard work—values that helped shape both Arike and Dare as professional athletes.
Their multicultural background has also inspired many young athletes who see themselves represented in professional sports.
Why Fans Search for Arike Ogunbowale’s Brother
Interest in Arike Ogunbowale brother continues to grow because it is relatively uncommon for siblings to reach the highest levels of different professional sports.
Basketball fans often discover Dare after hearing commentators mention him during WNBA broadcasts.
Likewise, NFL fans sometimes learn about Arike while watching Texans games or reading stories about Dare.
Their success has become an example of how family support and dedication can produce excellence across multiple sports.
The siblings are frequently featured in interviews and profiles highlighting remarkable athletic families.
Latest Updates
As of today, Dare Ogunbowale remains an experienced NFL veteran and continues contributing as a versatile running back and special teams player.
Arike Ogunbowale remains one of the WNBA’s premier guards and continues to play a major role for the Dallas Wings. She is widely recognized for her scoring ability, leadership, and impact on the league.
No official reports indicate any change in the close relationship shared by the Ogunbowale siblings. They continue to be celebrated as one of America’s most accomplished professional sports families.
Final Thoughts
Anyone searching for Arike Ogunbowale brother will find an impressive story that extends well beyond basketball. Dare Ogunbowale has earned respect through determination, resilience, and years of success in the NFL, while Arike has established herself as one of the WNBA’s elite players.
Together, they represent the impact of a supportive family, strong values, and relentless dedication to athletic excellence. Their accomplishments across two major professional leagues continue to inspire young athletes and sports fans alike.
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