Netflix has officially announced the release date of a heartfelt documentary celebrating the life and legacy of the late legendary Florida State Seminoles head coach, Bobby Bowden. This emotional and much-anticipated film, titled “Bowden: Faith, Family, Football,” is set to premiere on July 20, 2025, offering fans, former players, and the wider sports community a poignant look at one of college football’s most revered figures.
Bobby Bowden, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91, was more than just a coach—he was a mentor, a father figure to countless young men, and a symbol of integrity and faith in collegiate athletics. His career spanned over five decades, with 34 seasons at the helm of Florida State University (FSU), where he transformed the program into a national powerhouse. Under Bowden’s leadership, the Seminoles won two national championships (1993 and 1999) and secured 12 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) titles. His 377 career wins rank among the most in college football history.
The Netflix documentary promises to be a comprehensive tribute, blending rare archival footage, personal interviews, and intimate reflections from family members, former players, colleagues, and rivals. The emotional weight of the film lies not just in Bowden’s coaching accomplishments, but in the values he lived by—faith, humility, loyalty, and love for his players and the game.
Viewers can expect to see appearances by legendary athletes who played under Bowden, including Charlie Ward, Derrick Brooks, and Warrick Dunn, all of whom credit much of their success and character development to the coach’s unwavering guidance. The film also delves into Bowden’s personal struggles, including his battle with terminal illness, showing how he faced adversity with courage and grace until his final days.
One of the documentary’s key themes is Bowden’s commitment to faith and family, which resonated deeply in his coaching style. He was known for leading prayer meetings, fostering a culture of accountability, and prioritizing education and personal development for his players. His unique approach left a lasting legacy not only at FSU but across the entire landscape of college sports.
Fans of college football and those who admire stories of resilience and character will find “Bowden: Faith, Family, Football” a powerful and inspiring tribute. With its premiere on July 20, 2025, the film is poised to become a seminal documentary in the sports genre—both a celebration of a coaching legend and a touching reminder of the impact one life can have on so many.
