Legendary college football coach, Bobby Bowden, died over the weekend at the age of 91 and we celebrate a life well-lived.
Having the second-most wins in major college football, the former Florida State coach led his team to 14 straight years of finishing in the top 5 (the longest streak of any FBS coach), which included two National Championships.
I had the privilege of interviewing Coach Bowden on The UNPACKIN’ it Radio Show years ago, and he remains one of my favorite guests. Our friendly and down-to-earth conversation reminded me of talking with my grandpa.
When someone this important in sports passes away, I look for a common theme or certain words that consistently jump out in the reactions and condolences from those who knew him.
Along with discovering how he never moved from the home he bought in 1976, and how his phone number and address were listed in the phone book, the words influence, impact, mentor, and example seem to describe Bobby Bowden’s life and legacy.
Current and former coaches that coached with him and against him or had a relationship with him responded in the following ways:
“Much love and respect and thankfulness for Coach’s influence on my life!!" - Mark Richt
“Bobby was a great friend and mentor to me, and his impact transcended the coaching profession in so many ways.” - Urban Meyer
“Coach Bobby Bowden’s legacy lives on each day thru the countless people that he impacted. The 10 years I spent running around the FSU locker room/practice fields as a kid gave me the incredible experience to watch him in action. He set The Standard! Faith, Family, Football.” - South Florida Coach, Jeff Scott (his dad, Brad, was an assistant coach under Bowden)
“Well beyond his monumental career, he touched everyone he met with his kindness.” - Dan Mullen
“While he leaves an incredible legacy as one of the best football coaches in collegiate history, he also will be remembered for his great faith, his love of family, and his mentorship of countless young people.” - FSU President John Thrasher
Bowden truly impacted the game of football and influenced players and coaches on the field, but his legacy is all about the difference he made in so many people's lives off the field.
The trickle-down impact he had on his assistant coaches and his sons who became head coaches and then influenced others, is also remarkable. No, he wasn’t perfect, but he was outspoken about his faith and boldly lived it out.
Miami coach, Manny Diaz shared on Twitter, “Coach Bowden, thank you for showing this young coach how to lead a program with the Christ-like principles of selflessness, grace, and humility. You won a ton of games but transformed countless more lives, including mine. Rest in peace in God’s eternity.”
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT) says, “Remember your leaders who taught you the Word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
Bobby Bowden was a light in college football for a very long time by standing out for his faith through his words and actions. I think he wonderfully lived out Matthew 5:14-16 (AMP):
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
As we recognize and reflect on the life of Bobby Bowden, we don’t praise him, but rather the One he pointed others to and lived for.
The encouragement for us today is to see his example and legacy and be inspired that we, too, can live a life that allows Christ to shine through us.
Let’s be disciple-makers, mentors, and examples of outspoken, genuine, and bold faith by impacting and influencing others to know and follow Jesus.
Bobby Bowden’s football records may or may not be broken and fans will remember some of the wins, but the eternal impact he had on others is what will last. The same is true for us.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that Your light would shine through me and my life would be an example of outspoken, bold, and genuine faith. Help me to influence and impact those around me so that they would see You, know You, and glorify You. Please use me for Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Who has had a great impact and influence on your faith?
How are you having an intentional impact on others?
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