Todd Bowles, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recently fulfilled a promise he made to his late mother, Joan, to earn his college degree. Bowles left Temple University in 1986 to enter the NFL, signing with Washington as an undrafted free agent and winning Super Bowl XXII his second season. He has coached at the NFL level since 2000 and has been the head coach of the Buccaneers since 2022, leading the team to an NFC South title.
Bowles missed the second day of Buccaneers rookie camp to attend the graduation ceremony at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he addressed the graduating class and earned a standing ovation from the students and faculty. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in youth and community development.
You’re Never Too Old to Stop Learning
Bowles shared with the audience that his mother never pressured him to finish his degree, even after leaving college to pursue his NFL career. However, he made a promise to her to complete his schooling, and he did just that at the age of 59. Bowles encouraged the graduating class of 2023 to never stop learning, stating that “You stop learning and you get old. You get old when you stop learning.”
Bowles’ agent, Tony Agnone, a Mount St. Mary’s alumnus, encouraged him to return to school, and he completed his coursework in September. Bowles said that returning to school was a personal decision to honor his mother and show his children the importance of education, with his oldest son currently playing football at Rutgers.
Persistence and Hard Work Pay Off
Director and associate professor of human services Timothy Wolfe praised Bowles’ work ethic and attention to detail, stating that “Todd is clearly the kind of person to keep his promises and finish what he starts.” Bowles echoed this sentiment, stating that completing his degree was not about seeking the limelight but rather fulfilling a personal promise made to his mother.
Bowles’ persistence and hard work have paid off, both in his coaching career and in his personal life. He has shown that it is never too late to pursue education and that promises made should be kept. His story is an inspiration to all who face obstacles in their pursuit of higher education and reminds us that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
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