Mike Norvell honors FSU legend Bobby Bowden with burgundy tie during 2023 ACC Football Kickoff

Florida State was the star of the show at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff, potentially being viewed as the favorite to win the conference. Head coach Mike Norvell brought himself plus a few star players to Charlotte from Tallahassee, with everyone looking sharp. Every Seminole representative was in a suit but Norvell had the best accessory of the day.

Norvell was wearing a plain burgundy tie honoring former Bobby Bowden. He is part of a group honoring the late Florida State head coach called the Bowden Society.

“It’s for our Bowden Society,” Norvell said on the tie. “A campaign and group with our Seminole boosters that I am a part of and fully support. It’s something that obviously is in recognition of Coach Bowden and his legacy and who he was.”

Norvell repping the Bobby Bowden tie! Always respect to the best college football coach of all time! Can’t wait for the season! pic.twitter.com/qiBr6DQn1a

— Matt Creamer (@Coach_Creamer) July 26, 2023

Bowden is the most legendary figure associated with Florida State football, running the program for well over 30 years. Two national championships were won under his watch, coming in 1993 and 1999. He dominated the ACC once the Seminoles joined the conference, winning 12 titles.

Norvell is always going to make sure the program is honoring Bowden’s legacy. At the ACC Football Kickoff, the tie gave him a chance to speak on how great of an impact Bowden has on Florida State.

“For me, I think it’s a big part of my responsibility and how we operate as a program to make sure we respect the work that he put in,” Norvell said. “The value, the teams — everyone that has come before us. Just one of those constant reminders.”

Mike Norvell reveals advice Bobby Bowden gave after taking FSU job

Bowden has not been around to see Norvell bring excitement back to Florida State football. He sadly passed away in August 2021, just days before the regular season began. Norvell has won 15 games since then, including 10 this past year.

When Norvell accepted the job back before 2020, he was able to have a conversation with Bowden. That’s where the core values of Norvell’s program come from. I mean, implementing the ideas of Florida State’s greatest all-time head coach is never a bad thing.

“One of the greatest experiences of my life was getting to sit down with him at my desk a couple of months into having the job,” Norvell said. “I told him what I was going to give and what I was going to do to help get our program back to where it needs to be.

“He just goes ‘don’t ever stop being yourself. Don’t ever miss out on the opportunity to impact these young men on their journey.’ That’s what we see within our program. We got our guys what they’re doing on the field. Who they are off the field. The steps that they are taking. It’s not only going to help them for the time they get to put on cleats and pads. But it’s going to help impact them for the rest of their lives. That’s what (Bowden) did. It’s also why Florida State became one of the most sustained, success programs in college football history.”