FSU great Terrell Buckley cherishes ceremony, reception during Saturday's game

During a massive midseason battle in which the Florida State football came up short against No. 4 Clemson, the Seminoles also paid homage Saturday to one of the best players in school history.

FSU legendary cornerback Terrell Buckley, one of the most electrifying defensive players in college football history who starred for ‘Noles from 1989-1991, was honored in the first quarter for his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Buckley, affectionally nicknamed “T-Buck” and “The Foola from Pascagoula,” dazzled fans with acrobatic interceptions and incredible punt returns while leading the FSU defense during the program’s legendary Dynasty run under head coach Bobby Bowden.

The 1991 Jim Thorpe Award Winner and a consensus All-American, Buckley is easily one of the greatest cornerbacks in college history. He is FSU’s all-time leader in interceptions by a large margin, recording an amazing 21 picks in just three seasons — including 12 during his sterling junior year (still tied for third-most in a single season in NCAA history).

“Just a football player. I felt like I was a football player who happened to play corner. I felt like I was a playmaker,” Buckley said after he was honored Saturday. “The feeling was, if I put in the work, the results are going to take care of itself. I always dreamed of having those results and making those plays. Having a major impact for the team and helping the team win. Very thankful I was able to do that.”

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Buckley notably starred during FSU’s 14-year Dynasty run, which was led by one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport in the late, great Bobby Bowden. He also played under celebrated defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews.

“You know, you can have all the individual success you want. I always tell my teammates, I am who I am because of them,” said Buckley, who recently was named head coach of the new XFL’s Orlando franchise. “When you win, you create this legacy, this atmosphere. All these memories that everybody talks about now. And to do it with Coach Bowden at head coach, Coach Mickey Andrews at defensive coordinator, it was very special.”

During Buckley’s three seasons in Tallahassee, FSU went 31-6 and won three bowl games, spending much of that time ranked among the nation’s top five. In 1991, FSU started the season 10-0 and spent nearly three months ranked No. 1 in the polls.

“It was special. It just worked out that way with the pass-rush we had and the defense that Coach Andrews was calling. And the support I had in the secondary allowed me to make those plays,” Buckley said of his interceptions. “The Lord blessed me with the talent to bring them home. It was a season we’ll never forget. I know I’ll never forget it.”

One of the many indelible plays of Buckley’s career came during a marquee victory at Michigan, where he picked off the Wolverines on the opening drive of the game and took it back for a touchdown. FSU ended up crushing No. 3 Michigan, 51-31, in the Big House.

“It was expected to make those plays. It was one of those things. How we practiced, the three-step read, eyes on the receivers. Back to the quarterback, find the ball, make the play,” Buckley said. “To do it, and make 110 [thousand fans] sit on their hands. They were clapping. Very, very special, and to get off to that start, obviously is something that I’ll never forget.”

Along with being an elite defender, Buckley also was accomplished with the ball in his hands, scoring three touchdowns on punt returns and four more on interceptions.

After his collegiate career, Buckley played 14 seasons in the NFL mostly with the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. The FSU star racked up over 500 total tackles and 50 interceptions in the pros.

But coming back to Tallahassee, where he was honored once again on Saturday, always warms his heart.

“Very special. Any time you can come back somewhere where you have such great memories, and tonight is electric like you remember, it’s a special feeling,” Buckley said. “The reception that I received was second-to-none. I was ready to get my cleats and shoulder pads and see if I can help make a play.”

Talk about this story with other die-hard FSU football fans on the Tribal Council.