Just over a week ago, on July 21, 2007, Bobby Bowden was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana. This 77 year old Florida State Seminoles football coach has been described by some as a legend. His 31 years of coaching at Florida State have seen some great accomplishments – their first national title in 1993, and again in 1999, with a perfect season.
Those inducted into the Hall of Fame with Bowden included Charlie Ward, who won the Heisman for leading the Seminoles to the ‘93 title, and who had this to say about the coach he calls a legend:
Not in his own mind, he’s a legend by his actions and the way he’s led his life. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to learn not just about football, but about how to be a man of God and to hold to the convictions you have and be successful.
With 41 years of being a head coach, Bowden has earned more victories in Division 1-A (366) than anyone in history. Why is he still in the game? “The younger guys can do the coaching . . . I stay in it and Joe stays in it because of what we can offer about life,” he was just reported saying, referring to Penn State icon Joe Paterno.
What Bowden can offer about life is more valuable than the greatest football win. This outspoken Christian man has been instrumental in leading many in his field to faith in Christ, including Georgia coach Mark Richt. For more on Bowden’s football and faith, BP Sports has a great story.
