College football and beyond react to Bobby Bowden’s death
Florida State football legend Bobby Bowden died early Sunday morning at age 91. Here are some of the reactions across the state and college football about one of the most iconic figures in Florida athletics history.
FSU president John Thrasher: “Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden. 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.”
His son, Terry, the head coach at Louisiana Monroe:
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, a former Bowden assistant who succeeded him at FSU:
“(He) meant so many things to so many people, and a ton to me. … As fine a gentleman and coach who has ever walked the sideline, in my opinion. The lives he touched, the players the touched, that’s his legacy.”
Gators legend Steve Spurrier, on ESPN Radio:
“He’ll be remembered by just about everybody in college football forever.”
Former FSU quarterback Chris Weinke, who won the Heisman Trophy under Bowden:
FSU athletic director David Coburn: “Mary and I are saddened by the loss of our beloved Coach Bowden, as are generations of Florida State fans and alumni. He impacted the lives of so many people and leaves a legacy at FSU and in college football that will be remembered forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann and the entire Bowden family.”
FSU coach Mike Norvell: “Coach Bowden was one of the greatest coaches ever, but more than that he was an incredible man. He was a special human being who earned an enduring legacy because of his wonderful heart, faith and values he lived. It was the honor of my lifetime to know him and beyond anything I could dream to have a relationship with him. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by Coach Bowden and particularly with his wife Ann, their children, grandchildren, former players and coaches. The entire Florida State family is hurting right now at the loss of our program’s patriarch.”
Former FSU quarterback Charlie Ward, who won a Heisman under Bowden:
Miami coach Manny Diaz, who began his career as an FSU grad assistant under Bowden:
USF coach Jeff Scott, whose dad, Brad, worked on Bowden’s staff:
Former Gators coach Urban Meyer:
The Gators’ football program:
Former FSU/Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks:
Alabama coach Nick Saban:
“Bobby Bowden was a wonderful friend whose accomplishments as a coach are only surpassed by the character and class he displayed as a husband, father, mentor and friend. His passing is a loss for everyone but should be seen as a chance to celebrate a life remarkably well lived. Sometimes it’s not what you do, but who you are that is truly important, and no one embodies that more than Bobby Bowden.”
Former FSU/Bucs running back Warrick Dunn:
Former FSU receiver and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Wayne Messam:
Former Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel:
Former Bucs coach Tony Dungy:
Gators coach Dan Mullen:
Georgia coach Kirby Smart, who coached under Bowden at FSU:
Former FSU defensive back Deion Sanders:
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly:
Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America:
Bobby Bowden was a great coach, friend, and champion. He was a man of tremendous faith who inspired many. Seminole football and all patriotic Americans will miss him greatly.
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