Bobby Bowden and his family announced Wednesday that the legendary college football coach has been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition.
“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 statement shared with the Tallahassee Democrat. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing.
“I am at peace.” – Bobby Bowden
The family has asked for privacy during this time but says the former West Virginia and Florida State head coach remains upbeat.
Bowden won 357 games during his head coaching career that ranged from 1970-75 at West Virginia before taking the Florida State job in 1976 and turning the Seminoles into a powerhouse.
Bowden Bowden and the Seminoles struggled to a 5-6 mark his first year on campus but never again finished below .500 in his next 33 years as head coach. That included national championship campaigns in 1993 and 1999, one of which this website challenges, but that’s a different debate for a different time.
Bowden tested positive for COVID-19 last October and although he survived a five day hospital stay his health has declined since.
Bowden ranks fourth all-time in wins behind John Gagliardi (489), Joe Paterno (409) and Eddie Robinson (408).
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bowden family during this time.
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
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