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-->Coach Bobby Bowden
Less than a minute ago I watched Coach Bobby Bowden conclude his football coaching career at Florida State University. 389 career wins says it all. In his final game against West Virginia, where he once coached, he walked off the field a winner again, like he is. Seeing Deon Sanders and over 300 other former players stand beside him in his final game was respectful, something the man deserved. FSU Team Chaplain Clint Purvis first introduced me to Coach Bowden years ago. Coach Bowden’s desire for his players to have a spiritual influence was proven by bringing Clint alongside him for that role. Clint did it well too. Over the years, I received autographed gifts like all of his books, a football, photos and other items at special occasions. Coach Bowden has spoken at our church and he personally led my friend Colonel Mitchell to Christ only days before his death. When I conducted the funeral for Clint’s mother, he was with Clint on the second row in support of his friend. FSU should have followed the lead of Penn State with Coach Paterno and kept him “dadgummit”. Honor and well earned respect is forsaken too quickly these days. Still, he went out with class today and I pray he enjoys good health and the life with his family and friends. He deserves it.