WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of legislation in the U.S. Senate to award the late Florida State University (FSU) Football Coach Bobby Bowden, a legend and leader who passed away in 2021, with a Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions on and off the gridiron. Coach Bowden served as head coach of the FSU football team from 1976 to 2009. Coach Bowden’s teams at FSU won two national championships (1993 and 1999) and 12 Atlantic Coast Conference titles. Bowden posted a 316-97-4 record in his 34 years at FSU and was also widely revered for his humanitarian contributions. In 2011, he was awarded the ‘‘Children’s Champion Award for Leadership Development’’ by the Children’s Hunger Fund, and in 2004, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization began presenting an annual ‘‘The National Bobby Bowden Award’’ to a football player for their philanthropic work. Senator Marco Rubio is a cosponsor of the bill and Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Congressional Gold Medal seeks to honor those, individually or as a group, "who have performed an achievement that has an impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement." It is Congress' highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.

Senator Rick Scott said, “While Coach Bobby Bowden was a legend on the football field, it is the generations of students, athletes and countless others he led and served off the field, that will forever define his greatness as an extraordinary leader, Floridian and American. Coach Bowden will be forever a Seminole, forever a Floridian, and with this legislation forever honored and recognized by the United States Congress for his lifetime of service and leadership.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “Coach Bobby Bowden will be forever remembered as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. But his true legacy is the generations of athletes, students, and community members he inspired and mentored. Coach Bowden was a man of great character and integrity, and his impact on Florida and the nation will be felt for generations to come.”

Congressman Neal Dunn said, “Coach Bobby Bowden was a leader on the field and in his community. While his grit and determination led the Seminoles to victory on many occasions, his kindness and generosity made him one of the most highly respected individuals in Florida. We are all grateful for his contribution to the Seminole Nation and the Sunshine State.”

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