Strong move by Todd Bowles. 37 years after leaving college, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach is catching up on his degree to fulfill a promise to his mother

Unusual move by Todd Bowles. The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has fulfilled a promise he made long ago to his now deceased mother Joan: He has made up his college degree.

Now the time had finally come. 37 years after leaving his university to transfer to the NFL, he attended the graduation ceremony and was awarded his diploma.

The Bucs’ head coach gave a speech to the graduating class during the ceremony and received a standing ovation from students and faculty.

Bowles had previously received his Bachelor of Science degree in Youth and Community Development.

Buccaneers coach graduates from college

“It’s an incredible thing for me to be in a class with you guys,” the 59-year-old said in the direction of his classmates:

“I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been speaking in the locker room during a halftime break. I didn’t graduate then, and my mom never said anything. She just took it in stride and let me get on with my life.”

He continued, “She passed away in 2009, and the only thing she asked me to do was to make sure I graduated. I always thought about it – and now I’m 59. You’re never too old to stop learning. When you stop learning, you get old. “

Congrats on graduating, coach!

Todd Bowles made a promise to his mother when he entered the league that he would complete his degree, and today that promise was fulfilled. pic.twitter.com/o7aRjDAq4s

– Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 13, 2023

In addition, the head coach explained that he’s not about the spotlight: “It’s about honoring my mother and making sure I keep a promise.” In addition, he said he wants to be an inspiration to his own children.

Bowles wants to be a role model

Bowles had left Temple University in 1986 to enter the NFL. As an undrafted free agent, he was drawn to Washington, and the safety won the Super Bowl in just his second season. He was active in the NFL for eight seasons before joining the Green Bay Packers staff from 1995 to 1996 and beginning his coaching career just one year later.

Bowles has now coached in the NFL since 2000, winning the 2020 Super Bowl as defensive coordinator with the Buccaneers, and has served as the franchise’s head coach since the retirement of Bruce Arians.