Bobby Bowden Remembered As The Billy Graham of College Football
Senior contributor Hamil R. Harris writes about his late former coach at Florida State University and the special bond he formed with his players.
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
When we read about the death of legendary college football coach Bobby Bowden, our senior columnist Bobby Ross Jr. pointed out that our senior contributor Hamil R. Harris goes way back with Bowden— to the spring of 1979 as a former player for Florida State University!
When I called Hamil to express condolences and ask for a story, he was already on it, making plans to attend his old coach’s funeral this weekend.
Hamil describes himself in 1979 as a 300-pound slow moving student with more dreams than talent (he’s always a humble guy!) and Bowden gave him a chance that launched a lifetime of memories and friendship.
Hamil talked to former players, coaches and the team’s full-time chaplain Clint Purvis about Bowden’s legacy.
“When Billy Graham died, the world became a little darker, and there will never be another Billy Graham,” Purvis told ReligionUnplugged. “Coach Bowden was that for football.”
Read the story for more about how Bowden introduced prayer and faith to his players and impacted all those around him.
Thanks for reading! We’ll see you back here next week.
- Meagan Clark, Managing Editor
Florida Coach Bobby Bowden Remembered As The Billy Graham Of College Football
(ANALYSIS) Fans are remembering the legendary Florida State University coach this week after his death Sunday at age 91. Bobby Bowden, who coached senior ReligionUnplugged contributor Hamil Harris and is the second most winningest college football coach in U.S. history, is remembered for fusing the principles of Jesus into his football career, forming a special bond with his players that lasted a lifetime.
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Any news tips for us? Is there a story you think we should be covering? We want to know! Email our managing editor Meagan at meagan@themediaproject.org.