WATCH: Florida State band gives halftime tribute to Bobby Bowden
During halftime of the Florida State matchup with Notre Dame on Sunday, Florida State’s Marching Chiefs band paid tribute to the late Bobby Bowden. The band spelled out “Bobby” on the field while playing Amazing Grace, and a video montage played as the crowd chanted the late coach’s name.
Florida State band’s tribute to Bowden
During an emotional halftime performance, the Florida State University Marching Chiefs paid tribute to the late legendary coach Bobby Bowden. As the band spelled out “Bobby” on the field, those in attendance were given a chance to remember Bowden’s legacy.
Doak Campbell stadium tributes to Bowden
In photos shared by The Action Network’s Darren Rovell before the game, the Doak Campbell stadium now bears a moving tribute to the late Bobby Bowden.
The field bears Bowden’s logo with his iconic hat and “Bobby” signature, painted on the 25-yard line on both sides of the field.
The south end zone bears a tribute banner with the same logo, installed over the area that was previously occupied by the Marching Chiefs band before they moved to the north end zone.
Also in tribute, Florida State players will wear helmet bumpers with Bowden’s signature. The school detailed each tribute in a statement made the previous week.
“Each back helmet bumper will feature Coach Bowden’s signature in garnet on a white background, and each coach’s polo will have the Bowden patch on one sleeve.”
Remembering Bowden
The life of college football legend Bobby Bowden was celebrated in a funeral service held in August. Funeral services for the legendary Florida State coach were held at the Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.
Bowden died at the age of 91. He announced in late July that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.
“An incredible service and celebration for the life of coach Bobby Bowden,” current Florida State coach Mike Norvell wrote on Twitter after the memorial. “The testimonies shared today as well as the attendance in love from so many was truly special. A life well lived and a legacy which will last forever. Thank you coach for inspiring us all to be our best!”
Bowden set the bar for Florida State football, and now Norvell is trying to turn around the program. The Seminoles finished 3-6 last season and have not had a winning season since 2017. They last won an ACC title in 2014 under Jimbo Fisher.
Fisher and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney both were in attendance at the memorial service. Former players Charlie Ward, Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn and former assistant coaches Mark Richt and Mickey Andrews all shared remembrances of Bowden at the service.
“Coach Bowden was one of the greatest coaches ever, but more than that he was an incredible man,” Norvell said in a statement after Bowden’s death. “He was a special human being who earned an enduring legacy because of his wonderful heart, faith and values he lived. It was the honor of my lifetime to know him and beyond anything I could dream to have a relationship with him.”
On3’s Pete Nakos contributed to this article.