Bobby Bowden's Gold Medal HOF Speech Dec. 5, 2006

A rich and heartfelt speech by Bobby Bowden as the National Football Foundation inducted him into the College Football Hall of Fame and presented him with the NFF Gold Medal, the organization's highest honor, at the Waldorf Astoria on Dec. 5, 2006.
Bowden led programs at Samford, West Virginia and Florida State, passed away Aug. 8, 2021 after a battle with cancer. He was 91.
Bobby Bowden's list of achievements begins with an astounding 377 wins, which places him second all-time among Division I coaches. A stalwart on the sidelines as a head coach for 44 seasons, Bowden's longevity caused the National Football Foundation to modify its rules in 2006 to allow for the induction of active coaches after the age of 75. Bowden, who was inducted in 2006, would coach until 2009, retiring at the age of 80 with an 377-129-4 record for a .734 winning percentage.
His teams finished among the Associated Press Top 5 for 14 consecutive seasons (1987-1990), winning 10 or more games each of those seasons. In both 1993 and 1999, FSU was recognized as the national champions. After the 2009 season, he closed his career after 44 years as a head coach, including his tenure at FSU where 28 of his 34 Seminole teams were ranked.
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[@towdjumper5]

The best coach ever.

[@leer.watson4673]

After the travesty of FSU in 2023, this video has surely lifted my spirits. It’s my first time hearing this and I’m so thankful I came across it.

[@Stevonoles1]

There has NEVER been better! There will NEVER be another! One of the best human beings to ever be on this planet. This was a better place with Bobby Bowden in it. Go Noles!