Bawden began his collegiate career as a quarterback at San Diego State.[1] During his freshman season, he started two games for the Aztecs, completing 13 of 38 passes for 147 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, he then switched to the fullback position after the season. He caught 15 passes for 137 yards as a junior, and 15 for 103 yards and his first touchdown as a senior.
In back to back years, Bawden was the lead blocker for two different 2,000 yard rushers in Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny. This was the first time this had been done in the history of college football.[citation needed] Both of those running backs were also the leading rushers in college football in 2016 and 2017.
On November 20, 2019, Bawden was placed on injured reserve.[7]
On August 31, 2020, Bawden was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.[8] He was waived on June 3, 2021.[9]
New York Jets
On September 23, 2021, Bawden signed with the practice squad of the New York Jets.[10] He was promoted to the active roster on November 24.[11]
On March 13, 2022, Bawden was re-signed by the Jets.[12] He was placed on injured reserve on August 30.[13]
On March 22, 2023, Bawden re-signed with the Jets.[14] On September 25 against the New England Patriots, Bawden scored his first career touchdown on a one–yard carry.[15] He was waived on December 20, to clear a roster spot for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and re-signed to the practice squad the following day.[16][17] Bawden signed a reserve/futures contract with the Jets on January 9, 2024.[18] Bawden was released by the Jets on July 30, 2024.[19]
Houston Texans
On August 21, 2024, Bawden signed with the Houston Texans.[20] He was released on August 27.[21]