Bobby Bowden, the legendary Florida State football coach, is nearing the end of his life.
Bobby Bowden, the Hall of Fame college football coach, announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition.
“I’ve always tried to serve God’s purpose for my life, on and off the pitch, and I am prepared for what is to come,” Bowden said in a statement distributed to news outlets including The Associated Press. “My wife Ann and our family have been the greatest blessings of my life.” “I’m at ease.”
Bowden, 91, was hospitalised in October after testing positive for Covid-19. The positive test came just a few days after he returned home to Tallahassee from a lengthy hospital stay for a leg infection. In his statement, he did not disclose his medical condition.
Bowden coached Florida State for 34 years and amassed a 315-98-4 record while transforming the Seminoles into a national power, winning 12 Atlantic Coast Conference championships and national titles in 1993 and 1999. During his 40 years as a college coach, he won 357 games and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
“Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with dignity, class, and a sense of humour,” said Florida State president John Thrasher in a statement. “Although his achievements on the pitch are unparalleled, his legacy will extend far beyond football.” His faith and family have always come first, and he serves as an excellent role model for his teammates.
as well as fans. He is adored by the FSU community.”
Bowden announced his retirement following the 2009 season with a Gator Bowl victory over West Virginia, Florida State’s 28th consecutive postseason appearance.Bowden had hoped to coach another season to complete the 400-win streak, but Florida State officials did not renew his contract. Jimbo Fisher, the then-offensive coordinator, took his place.
“Bobby Bowden has meant everything to Florida State athletics and so much to college football in general,” said Florida State athletic director David Coburn. “He is a part of the heart and soul of FSU, but he is also a significant part of the game’s history.”
“Anyone who has had the opportunity to be around Coach Bowden knows what it is like to know a person who has his priorities in the right order, who loves life and values integrity and honour.”
Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach, who has designed some of the most prolific offences in the game’s history, said Bowden has been an inspiration to all coaches.
“He’s one of those guys that made us all want to coach when we were younger, made it exciting,” said Leach. “Coach Bowden threw the ball earlier than most people expected.” I used to watch his teams when I was younger, in high school and junior high, because they were known for upsetting teams ahead of them.
They became more and more explosive as they began throwing the ball around.”
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