Florida State announced the death of Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden on Sunday. He was 91 years old.
In late July, Bowden and his family released a statement saying the coach had been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition. His son Terry later told reporters the terminal condition was pancreatic cancer.
“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 the July statement. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”
Florida State president John Thrasher released a statement on Bowden’s passing Sunday morning.
“Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden,” Thrasher said. “On behalf of everyone at FSU, Jean and I extend our deepest condolences to Ann and the Bowden family. Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with class and a sense of humor. While he leaves an incredible legacy as one of the best football coaches in collegiate history, he also will be remembered for his great faith, his love of family and his mentorship of countless young people. He will be profoundly missed.”
People in the college football community paid their respects to the late coach.
Today, we lost a legend. Bobby was a great friend and mentor to me, and his impact transcended the coaching profession in so many ways. Sending love to Ann and the entire Bowden family.
Rest In Peace Coach Bowden. pic.twitter.com/om6LRmkkIo
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) August 8, 2021
One of my favorite Bobby Bowden stories. There was pregame brawl before 1998 FSU-UF game & UF QB Doug Johnson threw a football at Bowden but missed. Johnson wasn’t disciplined. Bowden was asked what would have happened if his QB threw at Spurrier. Bowden: “He would have hit him”
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 21, 2021
We lost a great one today! FAITH, FAMILY & FOOTBALL- nobody did it better than Coach Bowden. I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to play for this man. Condolences to the Bowden family and Rest In Peace my friend! #greatestofalltime pic.twitter.com/vKj9zU1SOA
— Chris Weinke (@ChrisWeinke16) August 8, 2021
We lost a great man today. Coach Bowden was one-of-a-kind and touched so many lives. I’m so fortunate to call him a mentor and friend. We send our condolences to all of his family and friends. A legend who will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/7STmB8Hjoi
— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) August 8, 2021
Prayers for Ann and the Bowden family! Much love and respect and thankfulness for Coach’s influence on my life!!
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) August 8, 2021
Bobby Bowden was an icon in the football coaching world, but he was even more legendary for dedicating his life to building young men into great citizens, husbands, fathers and leaders. His impact will be felt for decades to come.
God bless his family and all those he impacted.
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) August 8, 2021
Bowden coached Florida State from 1976 to 2009, compiling a career record of 377–129–4. He won two National Championships and (1993, 1999) and 12 ACC Championships (1992–2000, 2002–2003, 2005). He is the only coach in NCAA history to win 11 consecutive bowl games (1985-95) and the only one to have 14 consecutive bowl appearances (1982-95) without a loss. He was named National Coach of the Year six times (1979, 1980, 1991, 1992, 1996 and 1999).
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