Hall of Famer Bobby Bowden dies at 91; college football world issues tributes, memories

Jordan Heck

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Hall of Famer Bobby Bowden dies at 91; college football world issues tributes, memories image

Florida State announced the death of Hall of Fame coach Bobby Bowden on Sunday. He was 91 years old.

In late July, Bowden and his family released a statement saying the coach had been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition. His son Terry later told reporters the terminal condition was pancreatic cancer.

"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 the July statement. "My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace."

By one metric, Florida State's Bobby Bowden stands alone among college coaches

MORE: By one metric, Florida State's Bobby Bowden stands alone among college coaches

Florida State president John Thrasher released a statement on Bowden's passing Sunday morning.

"Florida State University has lost a legend in the passing of Bobby Bowden," Thrasher said. "On behalf of everyone at FSU, Jean and I extend our deepest condolences to Ann and the Bowden family. Coach Bowden built a football dynasty and raised the national profile of Florida State University, and he did it with class and a sense of humor. 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. He will be profoundly missed."

Bowden, a native of Birmingham, Ala, got his first start coaching college football at Samford, where he played from 1949 through 1952. He led the Bulldogs (then called Howard) to a 31-6 record from 1959-62, never losing more than two games in a season. He took over for West Virginia in 1970, leading the Mountaineers to a 42-26 record over six seasons.

He coached Florida State from 1976 to 2009, compiling a career record of 377-129-4. He won two national championships (1993, 1999) and 12 ACC championships (1992-2000, 2002-03, 2005). He is the only coach in NCAA history to win 11 consecutive bowl games (1985-95) and the only one to have 14 consecutive bowl appearances (1982-95) without a loss. He was named National Coach of the Year six times (1979, 1980, 1991, 1992, 1996 and 1999).

People in the college football community paid their respects to the late coach.

Jordan Heck

Jordan Heck Photo

Jordan Heck is a Social Media Producer at Sporting News. Before working here, he was a Digital Content Producer at The Indianapolis Star. He graduated with a degree from Indiana University.