(ChurchLeaders) When longtime Florida State University head football coach Bobby Bowden died Sunday at age 91, tributes were filled with words such as “dynasty,” “legendary” and “legacy.” But “faith” was mentioned even more, as family members, colleagues, players and even rivals recalled how Bowden shared and lived out his strong Christian beliefs.
Less than a month ago, Bowden revealed he had a terminal illness. Until then, he spoke frequently at churches and religious gatherings, including a surprise appearance in June at a luncheon during the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting. Sitting with Mark Richt, a former assistant coach whom Bowden helped lead to Christ, Bowden said evangelism “makes the world go around,” and “If we don’t go out and talk about Jesus, how is the world going to know?”
After Bowden died, Richt tweeted: “Psalm 40 verse 4. “How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust.” This scripture describes Coach Bobby Bowden’s life!!”