Bobby Bowden’s distinctive Southern drawl, perpetual smile, ever-ready handshake and high-volume enthusiasm will be how so many football fans remember the legendary former Florida State University football coach, who passed away early Sunday morning after battling pancreatic cancer.
“It was truly peaceful,’’ his son Terry Bowden shared with The Associated Press.
For all his Hall of Fame winning on the football field – the two-time national championship coach was an American sports legend for the way he combined his skill in the locker room with his downhome personality out of it. Bowden was the rare coach who inspired not only his players but those who watched them play.
He was always a winner all the way around.
When not on the sidelines, Bowden was a decades-long regular and much sought-after guest at golf tournaments and high school sports banquets around the state of the Florida. Bowden didn’t know a stranger. What he did know, was how to coach football and win over the hearts of those who cheered for his team -- and even those who rooted against his team.
And Bowden, who would have turned 92 in November, was as honest and inspired when he received the cancer diagnosis as he was tenacious on the field.
“I’ve always tried to serve God’s purpose for my life, on and off the field and I am prepared for what is to come,’’ Bowden said in a July 21 statement, sharing the news of his illness.
“My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.’’
Coaching college football in football-frenzied Florida is both huge opportunity and high pressure.
Bowden answered with an amazing 316-97-4 record in a 34-year tenure at Florida State University – including those national titles in 1993 and 1999. Only Penn State University Coach Joe Paterno has more victories (409). Bowden’s only losing season during that amazing three-decades plus run with the Seminoles came in his first year with the Seminoles (1976).
During a 14-year stretch from 1987-2000 – Bowden’s Seminoles were never ranked lower than fifth in the country. Eleven men who served as coaches for Bowden went on to become NCAA Division I head coaches themselves, including two of Bowden’s sons, Terry and Tommy.
At the age of 80, Bowden retired from Florida State earning a victory in the final game he coached – coincidentally over the University of West Virginia, where Bowden had coached previously to taking the job with the Seminoles.
Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Ann. They had six children and 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He also leaves behind a coaching legacy, appreciated by many.
Opposing coaches knew they had to raise their game when playing Bowden, who kept teams on their toes – with a penchant for calling the most unlikely play.
In addition to being a brilliant football brain, much of Bowden’s success could easily and directly be tracked to the players adoration and respect. When word came out about his diagnosis, they immediately sent public well-wishes, their support and prayers and also their massive gratitude for time with Bowden.
Deion Sanders, who played for Bowden in the 1980s, wished his former coach well upon hearing of the diagnosis last week.
“Coach Bowden I love you, appreciate you and you blessed me as a player and helped me become a man. I’m truly praying for your health and your family. God bless u Coach,’’ Sanders said on Twitter.
The outpouring of love Bowden received after revealing his diagnosis was as genuine as the man Bowden was. The sports community as a whole was equally as saddened upon hearing of his passing.
