59-year-old American football coach, Todd Bowles bags bachelors degree 37 Years after he dropped out to pursue his playing career.
Todd Bowles, a National Football League (NFL)coach and former player, has achieved a longtime personal goal by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Youth and Community Development from Mount St. Mary’s University.
The achievement comes 37 years after he left college to pursue a professional football career. Bowles, now 59, fulfilled a promise he made to his late mother, Joan, to one day complete his education.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in 2023, where he received a standing ovation from students and faculty, Bowles reflected on the significance of the moment. “This is an amazing, amazing thing for me to be in a class with you. I’m more nervous now than I ever was speaking in a locker room at halftime,” he said.
In 1986, Bowles left Temple University to join the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Washington. He went on to play eight seasons, winning Super Bowl XXII in his second year. After retiring as a player, Bowles transitioned into coaching, starting at Morehouse College in 1997.
Over the years, he built an impressive resume, including serving as head coach of the New York Jets (2015–2018), winning another Super Bowl in 2020 as defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and being named the Buccaneers’ head coach in 2022.
Despite his professional accomplishments, Bowles felt incomplete without fulfilling his mother’s wish. “My mother never said anything; she just let me live my life. She passed in 2009, and the only thing she asked me was to make sure I got my degree,” he said.
Bowles, who completed his coursework in September 2023, credited his agent, Tony Agnone, a Mount St. Mary’s alumnus, for encouraging him to return to school. Reflecting on the experience, Bowles said, “It was personal. It’s not about the limelight for me. It’s about honoring my mother and keeping a promise I could live with.”
He also hoped his achievement would inspire his three 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, two of whom are currently pursuing higher education. “Hopefully, they get some inspiration from this, and it can help them as they go forward,” he added.
In his speech to the graduating class, Bowles encouraged lifelong learning. “You’re never too old to stop learning. You get old when you stop learning,” he said.
He advised students to seize opportunities, stay excited about the future, and remember to appreciate their parents.
Bowles missed the second day of the Buccaneers’ rookie camp to attend the ceremony but said it was worth it. “At my age, knowing I kept my word and my mom would be proud — that means everything to me,” he concluded.
