TBO.com invites Florida State football fans to participate in a tribute to Bobby Bowden as he prepares to coach his final game after 34 year at FSU.
Readers are being invited to submit photos, video and written notes about Coach Bowden and all he has contributed to FSU over the years.
Bowden has participated in countless charity events, fundraisers, alumni meetings and booster clubs throughout the state of Florida; he's had his picture taken with thousands and thousands of fans. We'd like you to share your photos by uploading them to our Snap! gallery here: [Upload photos]. We'll post a sampling and create a gallery of the photos submitted.
For video, turn the camera on yourself and record your thoughts and wishes. Upload your video tribute here: [Upload videos]. The best of those also will be featured, along with a list of other videos submitted.
Or simply type your message to Coach Bowden using the online form provided below. We'll review those and print the best, as well.
If you're not a fan, please don't post negative photos, videos or comments. They won't be published.
The purpose of this project is to honor and celebrate Bobby Bowden's long and illustrious career at Florida State. We hope you'll take part!
Bobby Bowden Send-Off
Send us your farewell message to Bobby Bowden. Complete the form below and hit the "Submit" button. Published messages may be edited for length, grammar and clarity.
Your comments
Bobby Bowden - a true first-class act, one of kind man with a heart of gold. Bobby Bowden IS Florida State Seminole football. This is not a farewell message because you, Bobby, will always be with Florida State football. We wouldn't have it any other way. We, the fans of the FSU Seminoles, have truly always been fans because of you Bobby!
-- Bennett Grace-Smith, Tallahassee
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Bobby, it feels almost disrespectful to call you Bobby and not Mr. Bowden, but everyone knows when anyone is talking football and says Bobby, it is you, our favorite coach we are speaking of. I moved to FL from Ohio in 1983 and was told by friends that I had to choose between being a Gator or a Seminole. I chose to be a Seminole and have never regretted my choice thanks to you. Thank you for making college football my favorite sport. All my friends and family know my favorite season is "college football" season. You have become a friend to many of us who have not even met you and respect is something you have earned from anyone you have crossed paths with. Sorry you had to leave this year - I wanted one more like many others did. I wish for you many healthy and happy years with your family and friends. You deserve nothing less.
-- Debi Davis, Apopka
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Thank you, Coach, and good luck!
-- Nick Long, Brooksville
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When I came to FSU in '77, I was a bookworm and not at all interested in sports. We were the "girls' school". Bobby Bowden changed all that for me. His integrity, sportsmanship, love for the kids, compassion, and dedicated spirituality have been a plus to the main fact that his football coaching style has been copied by just about everybody. He was a great role model for me when I was in college and has been the same for my kids, who are now both at FSU.
-- Beth Erskine, Plant City
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Words don't say enough! Thanks Bobby, the Seminole Nation will never forget! God Bless.
-- Todd Le Mon, Sarasota
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You ARE FSU football and always will be. I want you to know that thousands of fans disagreed with the university's decision. If we could have you for one more season it would be a privilege and an honor. Please know that you mean so much to so many Seminoles! To say that you will be sorely missed is an extreme understatement! Bobby, we love you!
-- Zaida Rios, Tampa
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Bobby: You are a true icon in college footbal and I am a loyal FSU fan. You will be missed and I hope you and your family have a wounderful life. I am going to miss you.
-- Alvin Dozier, Tampa
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Coach, thanks for the memories of Florida State football; they were great. I'm from a small town in west Texas and here you're either a Longhorns fan or a Cowboys fan, but 25 years ago my little brother watched a FSU game and told me about it. I watched the next game and fell in love with you and FSU. Now my daughters are FSU fans and I'm proud. Thank you and good luck.
-- Keith Lopez, Pecos, TX
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Bobby you will be missed. I'ts been a hell of a ride. I did get your signed picture of you. Thank you for that!
-- Timothy Sweeney, Panama City, FL
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Coach Bowden, you are truely a great man. Far beyond football, the things you have done for so many of those young people at FSU is absolutely amazing. Although I live almost as far away from florida as you can get, I have been a loyal Noles Fan since I was 7 years old. The way you have always handled situations, good and bad, with class and integrity will surely be missed in sports, not just college football. I'm sure the FSU faithful wish you the best, as do I.
-- Thomas Flowers, Albany, OR
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Coach Bowden you are a one of a kind coach. you ask your players to play and they gave it 150%. You are the best of the best in the coaching ranks. You had some of the greatest years at Florida State and put them on the map as one of the elite schools in college football. Nobody wanted to see you go but everyone hopes all your future endeavors are great. From one fan with all the respect in the world.
-- Ted Nasal, New Castle, PA
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It has been a pleasure following your coaching careen for many years. I had the pleasure to meet you at a Creighton event in Omaha where you spoke at our fundraiser. Your impact on college football has been etched forever.
-- Jasper Robinson, Omaha, NE
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Coach Bowden, I didn't really like football that much because it used to take away from my Saturday morning cartoons. It was in 1999 that I watched the entire season of FSU football and fell in love with the Seminoles and you! I wanted you to have one more season, but I am sure FSU will continue what you started. You mean the world to Seminole Nation! Bobby Bowden IS Florida State!
-- Michael Hinton, Owensboro, KY
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Although I've always been a Gator fan, I have had nothing but respect for you and all you've done at FSU. I'm sorry to see you go and wish you all the best in the future, wherever the road may take you. You've never backed down and never been afraid to stand up for what you believe in, and I admire you for that. My prayers go with you. Thank you for all your hard work, for giving it all you had and for never giving up. Take care and God bless you Coach!
-- Paula Vint, Brandon, FL
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Bobby, you will be missed. I am so proud of you and your records at Florida State. May God bless you and your family.
-- Shirley Webb, Tarpon Springs, Fl
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Coach,
Thank you for your contributions, dedication and leadership.
It has been a pleasure for this Gator alum and college football fan to watch your teams play good hard football over the years!
-- Kim James, Wesley Chapel, FL
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Bobby, even us Gator fans love and respect you.
Your record and willingness to instill the values to young people should be remembered as a driving force with regard to leading young people.
-- Dick Gibson, St. Petersburg, FL
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Coach Bowden, I have been a fan every since you were at West Virginia. They say you don't know what you have until you don't have it anymore. West Virginia found that out. Now F.S.U. will find that out. Thank you for all the memories. Legends live forever. Best of luck.
-- Ronald Shirley, Brooksville, FL
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Bobby,
My late husband, who died at age 56, was a diehard FSU fan mostly because of you. We met you at one of the FSU Booster Dinners not long before he passed away and a photo of that meeting was at his memorial. It was such a thrill for him. You made FSU football exciting. Thank you for the memories.
-- Lynette Boyd, Plant City, FL
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You have been a great coach. I think your greatest moment coaching was when the 'Noles were down 31-3 to the Gators and the 'Noles came back and tied the game.
Enjoy your retirement. you have earned every bit of it! Also, much success in whatever endeavor you choose to pursue!
-- John Floyd, Mulberry, FL
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When I attended Florida State (Class of 1987), Bobby Bowden was a god even back then. Loved him then and love him now! He catapulted FSU into a force to be reckoned with across the country. Can't imagine watching FSU football without his leadership. He's the type of coach you want to see on the sidelines regardless of how the team performs. I knew when Bobby was there, things would be okay. It's been a great run, Bobby! Sorry to see you go!
-- Jennifer O'Ryan, Tampa, FL
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Coach Bowden, as a life long Gator fan I have had the opportunity to be a witness to a great deal of your coaching career. Even though the Noles were a great rivaly I have greatly admired you for not only your obvious coaching greatness but also your integrity, honesty, committment to your players and coaches, wit and charm. My son graduated from FSU and was a marching chief. He told me how encouraging and appreciative it was at the beginning of each season when you addressed the band. I thank you for being such a great expample for men and kids to follow. I can't imagine another person in sports that could be missed more than you. Best of luck in the future to you, your terrific wife, children and grandchildren. May your days be filled with excitement, happiness and good health.
-- David Wilkes, Belleview, FL
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Thank you for all you've done for the university, the students and the fans. While many things were visable, I know there were many that were not. I'm so glad God led you to FSU to coach and minister and to be a wonderful Christian role model. I graduated in 1967 and have been a faithful football fan all these years. It just won't be the same without you on the sidelines. Again, thank you for everything! God bless you and Ann.
-- Evelyn Winter, Lakeland, FL
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Have a great retirement, coach. You have earned it. Thanks for all you have done. There will never be another "BOWDEN".
-- Stan Pickles, Harleyville, S.C.
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I became an FSU fan in 1986 and you were a big part of the reason. People here in Alabama thought I was insane for not sticking with the Crimson Tide. 23 years later, I don't regret it a bit. GOD BLESS you Bobby. I am proud to have met with you this past March at the FSU coaching clinic. You are truly a class act all the way.
-- Donny Stevens, Crossville, A.L.
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Thanks for the memories, Bobby!!! I wish you success in all your future endeavours. GO SEMINOLES!
-- Ellen Rosenthal, Lithia, FL.
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Good job, Bobby. Thanks for all you did at FSU.
-- Bobby Ackerson, Lakeland, FL.
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I've been a diehard Gator fan since birth, but I would like to say thank you coach for all you have done for college football and for the guidance you have given to all your players over your great career. Besides being a great coach you are an even better man!
-- Frank Dickson, Plant City, FL.
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Since we first met in 1976 you have been an inspiration me and to all who have had the privilege of knowing you. You have led by example and should be proud of all you have accomplished in your life to this point.
As you told me after ESPN landed a helicopter on the 6th hole at Tampa Palms Golf Club the Monday after the Sports Illustrated "free shoes" story broke, "I have to face them sometime, the sooner the better": a lesson in dealing with difficult issues: up front and honestly.
Unlike your predessors like Bear Bryant, who passed soon after retiring from coaching, you are entering a new phase of your life. A phase that will be equally productive because of your unique abilty to influence and guide people in your message from the Lord.
My family loves you very much [especially Trey] and wish you and your family the best! You deserve it! Go Noles! The program will prosper because of your leadership and the base you have built.
Your Big Big Best Golf Buddy,
-- Clif Curry, Brandon, FL.
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In mid 80's while I was in college, I crank-called Coach Bowden's hotel room at the Miami Airport Marriot at 3:00 a.m. (a childhood friend of mine was the front desk operator) the day they played the Hurricanes and yelled at him that I had just called all his players' rooms and woke them up and that the Hurricanes would kick the Seminoles butt that day.
Coach Bowden responded by saying "Yep, yep, Miami tends to do that to us when we come down here, but I think later today we'll be able to show them a little something different and hopefully we'll come out on top."
He then proceeded to talk to me as if he had known me for twenty years. He kept talking and talking about what a privilege it was to play the Hurricanes and how well his team would have to play in order to have a chance to win, etc. Finally, after about 15 minutes, I felt so bad for having disturbed this nice man that I excused myself and apologized for waking him up.
He THANKED ME for calling him and wished me and my team good luck. He taught me a lesson that day that I have never forgotten.
Thank you Coach Bowden and good luck to you and your wife in your retirement.
-- David CaVeda, Tampa, FL.
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We will never see a coach like Bobby Bowden again. Bobby was not just a coach of football, he was a coach of life. He tried to teach his players about the power of faith in both God and themselves. He poured his heart and soul into his players and into the university. He will be missed and appreciated by us all. When people think of Florida State, they will always think of Bobby too. Thank you, coach, for the memories!
-- Eric Smith, Clearwater, FL.
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Thanks for everything coach. I've been a Florida State supporter for more than 40 years - 34 of them with you at the helm. It just won't be the same without you.
-- Bill Swartzbaugh, Tampa, FL.
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As an incoming FSU freshman in 1963, our class enjoyed Coach Bill Peterson's great teams featuring names like Biletnikoff. We cheered as the Seminoles beat the Gators for the very first time in the fall of 1964. We thought life was good.
We did not know a new dynasty would rise with Coach Bobby Bowden! National Champions! And all the rest...
More than the joy of winning games though, Coach Bowden taught us grace in victory and defeat. Football is just a game. Bobby Bowden is CLASS.
Long after the cheers and tears, you will always be a champion.
-- Susan Norton, Steinhatchee, FL.
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Coach Bowden, although we have never officially met, you have always been a long distance part of my life. I was born in Ohio and from the day you entered the Horseshoe in 1981, I began yelling GO Noles in my parent's home. My Family knew at that time they lost me to FSU from that day forward.
Thank you for all the great times, both on the field and off. Your leadership is second to none and will definitely be missed. Best Wishes and good luck.
See you at the Gator Bowl from a loyal FSU fan.
-- Daniel Snyder, Land O Lakes, FL.
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I went to FSU during the start of the 14-year run at the top and I want Bobby to know he has given me some of the best memories a Seminole fan could have. More importantly he is a better man than a coach. College football was lucky to have a leader like him. I wish he could of had another year.
You make me proud to be a Seminole. Thank you for all the good games.
-- Mark Eilers, Tampa, FL.
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I wish I had a few minutes to meet with you personally to express my admiration for you as a man and a coach. You have made college football worthy of the time and resources invested in it because you "coached" young men how to be men, not just football players. Some didn't listen, most did.
The hundreds of men who played for you and coached alongside of you for 34 years at FSU are now benefiting their families and communities because you saw more in them than touchdowns, tackles and titles. Your greatest tribute, however, is your 60-year marriage and godly children. I know your humility will not allow you to gloat. You honor Jesus on and off the field and college football will miss you for far more than the nearly 400 victories you compiled!
May your next 10 years be your best Mr. Bowden!
-- Mark Cannon, Lakeland, FL.
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I am a 1966 graduate of FSU and attended first Garnet and Gold game after Coach Bowden was hired.It poured down rain but it was "CLEAR" that the University had hired a special person as the new football coach.
Coach Bowden, best to you and your family and I wish you the best in your new second career!!
-- Steve D'Lugos, Fredericksburg ,VA.
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I am not an FSU fan nor am I a FSU grad. I felt compelled to write to you and wish you the best of everything in your retirement. From the outside looking in, you always seemed to have the best interests of your players at heart, and you led the team by example. I can see the long tail of your leadership in the many young men who have achieved their dreams thanks to your leadership and mentoring.
May God continue to bless you in your journey.
-- Scott Miller, Fishers, IN.
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You are a wonderful Christian gentleman and you are inspirational. We were inspired by your words at our church, The First Presbyterian Church of Tampa, a short time back. Thank you for your dedication to FSU and for putting Seminole football on the map.
My wife and I will always cherish the victory over the gators in 1977 at Gainesville. 37 - 9.
-- Bobby & Sherry Lane, Tampa, FL.
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Bobby, thank you for being the class guy you are. Even though I was born and raised in Georgia and am a Georgia Bulldogs fan, I also rooted for Florida State. I rooted for the Seminoles because I knew you were a class guy and that you also made sure that the players that played for you were class acts, too. Thank you for making college football a great sport.
I am also glad that Coach Ritch was guided by you. As I watched the game yesterday I was crying because I knew that was your last game. I always enjoyed watching FSU football because of you. I am so glad that the guys won the game. I know they were coached really well by you. I hope you and your wife have a really good time at your home in PC.
I know you will always be a part of the Florida Panhandle. You will be missed, but I know you will be around in Tally. Have a great retirement and enjoy your rest, you really deserve it. All the best to you from a Albany, GA born and raised boy.
-- Eric Wiederhold, Orwigsburg, PA.
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I will always remember attending a Booster Meeting and you greeting us like you knew us for years. When you said to my husband "how ya doin' boy?", that to me was classic Bobby! Getting our picture taken with you was a true highlight!
Always gracious and always comfortable with who you are, you are one of a kind, and more important, a great human being! Good luck in your retirement.
-- Hal & Nancy Augustine, St. Petersburg, FL.
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I have been a Bobby Bowden fan since the first time I saw FSU on TV in 1990. I have heard a lot of speeches at coaches clinics and always admired the sense of humor he has no matter what the situation is. A lot of the ways he carries himself, I've adopted in my everyday life.
Coach Bowden, God bless you.......thank you for lessons I learned by watching interviews, the way you treated your players, and for what you did on the field as well. God Speed.
-- John Bijak
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Thank you for your many years of service to FSU - the school and the football program. And for your contribution to college football. Your trick plays were such fun. Your accomplishments are remarkable. WELL DONE! You are and always have been a CLASS ACT!!! We will miss you!
Dadgumit, Seminole football just will NOT be right without you.
Thank you again. Best Wishes to you and your family.
-- Nancy & George Ellis, Orlando, FL.
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I have been a Fla. State football fan for many years - long before your heyday. (I was a student at FSU when you were coaching Fred Biletnikoff, who was the brightest star we had at the time.) So I watched you build the program and was so proud and pleased to finally have a team to beat the Gators! Thank You!
I appreciate witnessing the many players who have gone on to spread good works and wisdom to so many others. (Being a Buc fan, too, I love seeing what Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn have done in this community.) I also admire your vision and drive to take on the powerhouses - and beat them.
But I have to apologize, and confess that one of the losses to Notre Dame was my fault: One of our ministers at the time was a ND fan, so we got into a verbal conflict prior to the game, with him claiming that God was on their side and me foolishly spewing, "Yeah, well, Bobby Bowden IS God!" When that slipped out, I knew we had already lost the game.
You will be sorely missed, and FSU football will never be the same.
-- Mary Der, Brandon, FL.
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