Dunn Pushes for National Recognition of Florida State Legend, Coach Bobby Bowden

Tallahassee, Fl- Florida Representative Neal Dunn (Florida-02) has filed a bill to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal unto legendary Florida State University (FSU) Coach Robert (Bobby) Bowden. 

Coach Bobby Bowden led FSU’s football team from 1976 to 2009 in what is widely considered to be FSU football's “golden era”.  Coach Bowden has been recognized at the national, state, and local levels for his accomplishments both on and off the field. 

If fruitful, Representative Dunn’s efforts to honor Bowden mean FSU’s ex-coach would receive Congress’s highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

In effect, the Congressional Gold medal honors those “who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement.”

Bowden’s achievements are expected to be recognized in perpetuity. Throughout his entire 44 years of coaching college football, Bobby Bowden won a total of 377 games, making him one of the winningest coaches in college football history.

Off the field, Bowden was an avid advocate for exemplifying Christian virtue and values, as signaled by his personal motto of  “Family, Faith and Football”. 

“Coach Bobby Bowden was a leader on the field and in his community. While his grit and determination led the Seminoles to victory on many occasions, his kindness and generosity made him one of the most highly respected individuals in Florida,” said Congressman Dunn. 

Bowden and wife, Ann Estock, have been married for over 70 years. The couple has six children, 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bowden’s children have also led collegiate football teams. Tommy and Terry Bowden were the head coaches at Clemson University and Auburn University, while Jeff Bowden was the offensive coordinator at Florida State, respectively.

"Coach Bowden will be forever a Seminole, forever a Floridian, and with this legislation forever honored and recognized by the United States Congress for his lifetime of service and leadership,” said Senator Rick Scott.