TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Bobby Bowden and his family announced Wednesday that the former Florida State University football coach has been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
The announcement was made by Bowden, his wife and his family, the newspaper reported. The legendary coach, who led the Seminoles to a pair of national championships, is 91. The family did not disclose Bowden’s medical condition and requested privacy.
“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 a statement reported by the Democrat. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing.
“I am at peace.”
Bowden was hospitalized in late September 2020 for nearly two weeks with a leg infection after having cancer spots removed, according to the Democrat. He also learned he had tested positive for the coronavirus in early October, according to the newspaper.
Last month, Bowden was hospitalized for five days, the newspaper reported.
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“I feel fine but I can’t do much,” Bowden told the Democrat on July 5.
Bowden coached at FSU from 1976 to 2009. He won national titles after the 1993 and 1999 seasons and finished in the top five in season-ending football polls for 14 consecutive seasons.
Bowden had a 357-124-4 overall coaching record in 40 years of coaching Division I football, including a 315-98-4 mark at FSU. Bowden’s record was adjusted by the NCAA, which took 11 victories away from him due to team violations. In the NCAA books, Bowden is officially listed with a 346-123-4 mark.
He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1983. Bowden was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame in 2012.
In April 2021, Bowden was awarded the inaugural Florida Medal of Freedom by Gov. Ron DeSantis.