Samford University football field. — The Bobby Bowden Football Field in F. Siebert Stadium. Photo via David Yancey

On September 25, Samford University will dedicate its football field to late coach, Bobby Bowden. Coach Bowden made a lasting impact on Samford that will forever be remembered. Keep reading for the rundown on Coach Bowden and this dedication.

Bobby Bowden, Birmingham and the Bulldogs

Bobby Bowden statue at Samford University. — Coach Bowden watching over Samford’s campus. Photo via Campbelle Wilkinson

Coach Bowden was born and raised right here in Birmingham. He was a Woodlawn High School Colonel before becoming a Samford University (then Howard College) Bulldog. Coach Bowden played at Samford from 1949 to 1952. After his senior season as the quarterback, he earned the title of Little All-America honors.

He returned to Samford in 1959 as a head coach. During his four years coaching, Coach Bowden led the team to a 31-6 record. To this day, he holds the program’s highest winning percentage of any head coach. When we say he is a Samford legend, we mean it.

“We want to honor Coach Bowden’s exemplary character and his love for all things Samford with the naming of Bobby Bowden Field. We are proud to link our football program with his enduring legacy.”
—Dr. Beck Taylor, President, Samford University

College football success

Bobby Bowden at Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. — Coach Bowden in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Photo via Pat Byington

At Samford, he was refined as an athlete and coach. After Samford, Coach Bowden ventured to West Virginia and Flordia State for other coaching gigs. In both programs, he was a record-breaker and shattered ceilings.

At Flordia State, he won 304 games, and led the program to the 1993 and 1999 national titles. A legend indeed!

Coach Bowden got some well-deserved accolades along the way. In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and 20 years later he was an inaugural member of the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame.

Details on the dedication

Bobby Bowden Football Field — At Samford’s family weekend, the stands will be filled with Bowden’s family, friends and fans. Photo via David Yancey

The dedication is happening during halftime of the ETSU game on September 25th, 2021. Coach Bowden’s beloved wife, Ann, will be present along with family, friends and fans.

“What Bobby Bowden has meant to Samford University is immeasurable. He was always one of our university’s greatest ambassadors, and we are excited to be able to honor him with the naming of Bobby Bowden Field at Seibert Stadium. We are also honored that members of the Bowden family can be here for this special occasion. Their presence will make this day mean even more to our entire university.”
—Martin Newton, Director of Athletics, Samford University

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