Bobby Bowden, Florida State’s legendary former football coach, announced on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition.
“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 wrote in a statement, per the Tallahassee Democrat. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing.
“I am at peace.”
Bowden and his family have requested privacy as he focuses on his health.
It was not disclosed what terminal condition the 91-year-old has. He tested positive for COVID-19 last October.
Bowden helmed FSU for 34 years between 1976 and 2009. As the Seminoles’ head coach, the team won two national championships and played in a bowl game in all but three seasons. Bowden concluded his coaching career with 377 wins.
Prior to his time at Florida State, he coached for West Virginia from 1970 to 1975.
Bowden and his wife have been married for more than 70 years and have six children, 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren together.
In April, Bowden was awarded the Florida Medal of Freedom which honors “any person who has made and especially meritorious contribution to the interest in citizens of the state and culture public and private endeavor.”
In a statement today about Bowden’s announcement FSU’s athletic director David Coburn emphasized that those were the traits that made Bowden such an integral member of the FSU community and a part of football history.
“Bobby Bowden has meant everything to Florida State athletics and so much to college football in general. He has influenced so many people beyond just the players he coached, and the staff who had the privilege of working with him.
“He is a part of the heart and soul of FSU, but it goes beyond even that – he is a big part of the history of the game. Anyone who has had the opportunity to be around Coach Bowden knows what it is like to know a person who has his priorities in the right order, who loves life and values integrity and honor.”