Bobby Bowden
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Bobby Bowden-Called to Coach
“A mans reputation is what others say of him;
A mans character is what God knows about him.” -Bobby Bowden
Bobby Bowden not only spoke words of wisdom but lived by them as well. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Bowden spent a portion of his childhood sick in bed. When he was 13 years old, he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever; and after a six month hospital stay, Bowden was confined to his bed at home. Bowden spent a year confined to his bed with very little to do or entertain himself with. He had already developed a love for football but, during this time it greatly increased as he listened to broadcasts on the radio. It is at this moment that Bowden made a covenant with God, that if he would heal him he would forever serve him. Bobby Bowden has done so ever since.
While his illness temporarily hindered his life, it ultimately brought him closer to family and God. After Bowden was released from his bed he immediately jumped into football. Bowden was an outstanding football player at Woodlawn High School, and went on to play for the University of Alabama as a quarterback. This goal fulfilled his lifelong dream to play for the Crimson Tide. He was lucky to have a man named Holt Rast Sr. pay his way to the University of Alabama, however, his stay was short. Bowden had met and fallen in love with a girl in Birmingham name Julia Ann Estock when he was at Woodlawn High; and his desire to be with her would lead him to make a life altering decision. When an incident of jealousy occurred between the two they decided that they should get married, also there intimacy levels influenced this decision. While they both believed in waiting until marriage they still were becoming very close, so they ran off and got married for the simple fact that they were in love. Bowden said that he knew from the beginning Ann was the woman for him and he sacrificed his dream, to play for Alabama, to be with her, just as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. Bobby transferred to Howard College (now Samford University) after they married where he played football for the bulldogs. Bowden graduated from Howard in 1953.
In his first job Bowden served as an assistant football coach and head track and field coach at Howard College in Birmingham, Alabama from 1954-55. He left his alma mater to become Athletic Director as well as head football, baseball, and basketball coach at South Georgia College, he was here from 1956 to 1958. He then returned to Howard as head coach, where he compiled a 31-6 record between 1959 and 1962. After his time at Howard, Bowden went to Florida State University as an assistant coach under Head Coach Bill Peterson. He then left Florida State in 1965 and went to West Virginia University to be an assistant under Jim Carlen. God continued to provide job after job for Bobby and he never quit serving him, and placing Bobby at West Virginia as an assistant was simply another step. When Carlen left following the 1969 season the school asked Bowden to replace him. Bowden then compiled a 42-26 record at WVU before being called back to Florida State as head coach in 1976, where he remained until retirement in 2009.
During his final season Bowden received a lot of heat about his future at Florida State. While he really wished to return the Florida for the 2010 season but didnt get the chance as the President T.K. Wetherell and others asked him to step down. However, Bowden did end his career on a winning note and retired humbly. Ann and him enjoy time with their family and have the chance to actually watch games on TV for simple enjoyment. Bowden may be done with football but he isnt done serving the Lord and knows that he still has a plan for him.
During Bowdens first year as head coach at WVU, Marshall University fell victim to a tragic plane crash. Bowden asked NCAA permission to wear Marshall Jerseys and play their final game of the 1970 season, but was denied. In memory of the victims, MVU players put green crosses and the schools initials on their helmets. Bowden allowed Marshalls new head coach and his assistants to have access to game film and playbooks to help them familiarize themselves with offense and defensive plays. Bowden constantly reached out to players and coaches challenging them to be the best they could be. He always asked them to focus on their walk with God but never forced it upon anyone. In fact his compassion acquired him the title the “second chance” coach, which he took too proudly. As God gives his children second chances so did he to his players.
Bobby Bowden retired from coaching the Florida State Seminoles football team; during his time at Florida State, he led FSU to an Associated Press and Coaches Poll National Title in 1993 and a BCS National Championship in 1999. Bowden also led them to twelve Atlantic Coast Conference championships. When asking Bowden what was the biggest ingredient to his coaching career he would tell you his walk with Christ. There is seldom