![Jan. 1, 2010: Legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden's wife, Ann, gives him a kiss during the post game press conference after his final game against West Virginia at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for the Gator Bowl. [Kelly Jordan, Florida Times-Union]](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/16436993.jpg)
Hall of Fame football coach Bobby Bowden is suffering from pancreatic cancer, his son and Louisiana Monroe head coach Terry Bowden said Thursday.
Terry Bowden made the comments at Sun Belt media day in New Orleans, one day after Bobby Bowden announced that he had been diagnosed with a terminal medical condition.
“We’ve known for about 10 days,” Terry Bowden said. “We’ve been preparing for this. We know when you have pancreatic cancer, which is what the disease is, you’re probably talking months, not years, so we know that. We just think we’ve got some more good days ahead, and we’re going to enjoy those together.
“I would plead that all people would respect the fact he needs to rest when he’s up,” the younger Bowden added. “He doesn’t need a lot of phone calls, or a lot of people talking on the phone. You know my dad; he has never turned down an interview in his life. He’ll be on his deathbed (doing) an interview the last minute he does it. But, that’s Bobby Bowden.”
Bobby Bowden announced his terminal prognosis Wednesday in a statement.
“I’ve always tried to serve God’s purpose for my life, on and off the field, and I am prepared for what is to come,” Bowden said in the statement. “My wife Ann and our family have been life’s greatest blessing. I am at peace.”
Bowden served as the coach at West Virginia from 1970-75 before joining the Florida State program in 1976. He posted a 315-98-4 record with the Seminoles and guided the school to two national titles (1993, 1999) and 12 ACC championships (1992-2000, 2002-03, 2005).
Bowden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
–Field Level Media