21 Quotes by Bobby Bowden
Bobby Bowden, a legendary American football coach, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. As the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles from 1976 to 2009, Bowden built a dynasty, leading the team to two national championships and numerous conference titles. Known for his charismatic personality, faith-driven approach, and ability to connect with players, Bowden instilled a winning culture and a sense of family within the program.
Beyond his coaching success, Bowden is also remembered for his commitment to developing young men of character, prioritizing their personal growth and education alongside athletic achievements. His coaching philosophy, often referred to as the "Bowden Way," emphasized discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Bowden's impact on college football extends beyond his achievements on the field, as he is remembered as a respected mentor and leader who left an indelible mark on the lives of countless players and coaches.
Bobby Bowden Quotes
Don't go to the grave with life unused. (Meaning)
That boy don't know the meaning of the word fear. In fact, I just saw his grades, and that boy don't know the meaning of a lot of words.
Discipline to me is sacrifice; it's willingness to give up something you want to do, so you can better yourself.
People that are brilliant and successful, we think they've just always been that way. That's not the case. Most of them have had some tough adversity in their life. It's prepared them. I've never felt like you could develop character without adversity.
I learned a long time ago that you don't have to go around using bad language and trying to hurt people to show how macho you are. That stuff won't get you anywhere, it just shows lack of vocabulary and character.
The greatest mistake is to continue to practice a mistake.
Integrity makes my job easier. It's deception and dishonesty that requires so much diligent effort.
If short hair and good manners won football games, Army and Navy would play for the national championship every year.
When I go after something, I go after it hard. It has always been that way. I don't know. It's in my blood.
To have the kind of year you want to have, something has to happen that you can't explain why it happened. Something has to happen that you can't coach.
Son, you've got a good engine, but your hands aren't on the steering wheel.
He died right after he retired, and seeing that made me feel more conscious of a man needing a motive to live. If I ever got out of coaching, I would have to get a job somewhere, or I'm afraid I'd wilt on the vine, too.
I'm not too proud to change. I like to win too much.
If somebody mistreats you, treat’em good. That kills’em.
I learned more from the mistakes than from the good things.
Courage is doing something you need to do that might get you hurt.
He who gets the best players usually wins.
If their IQ's where five points lower they'd be geraniums.
After you retire, there's only one big event left....and I ain't ready for that.
I’m praying for a misdemeanor
There's only about 6 inches that turns that halo into a noose.
― Bobby Bowden Quotes
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
