Tommy Bowden, one of the most well respected coaches in college football, returned to the Upstate in November, 2009 to speak in support of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at an FCA event in Spartanburg County.
        As Head Football Coach of the Clemson Tigers from 1999 to 2008, he was twice honored with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year Award (in 1999 and 2003). With a winning season every year, he was the third winningest coach in Clemson's history, and, as Head Football Coach of Tulane University in 1998, his team was undefeated.  
        Football fans appreciate Tommy Bowden's leadership on the football field, and Christians appreciate his leadership off the football field, as well. Under Coach Bowden's leadership since 1999, the team and individual players accomplished numerous achievements, athletically and academically (bio) -- but, of greater eternal significance, Tommy Bowden has been a positive role model and Christian influence for many.
        At a convention of the American Football Coaches Association in January, 2006, the FCA bestowed upon him the Grant Teaff National Coach of the Year Award for his accomplishments in football and his dedication to Christian service. 
        Since he became a head coach, he has had a team chaplain ministering to the athletes. 
        "Tommy has always been involved in FCA, since high school, and we've always supported FCA since we've been married," Linda Bowden told The Christian View.  She volunteered to serve as a member of the board for a female chaplain for female athletes at Clemson.
        A local charitable organization for children, Sharing, Inc., (www.sharinginc.com) gave the couple its first Lighthouse Award for role models who live as Christian examples. Indeed, each shines the light of Christ, and they are both highly respected and appreciated.
        In addition to his work with BusterSports.com as the expert coach for the ACC in the fall of 2009, he continues his many speaking engagements, and God continues to use him mightily, sharing his testimony and his Christian faith, as he has for many years.
        Since 1954, FCA has reached young people for Christ through sports in college, high school, and younger, as well as on the professional sports level. FCA's vision is "to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches." FCA's values are integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence.  "Integrity: We will demonstrate Christ-like wholeness, privately and publicly (Proverbs 11:3). Serving: We will model Jesus' example of serving (John 13:1-17). Teamwork: We will express our unity in Christ in all our relationships (Philippians 2:1-4). Excellence: We will honor and glorify God in all we do (Colossians 3:23-24)."
        On a personal level, having known him since February 25, 2001, I can say that he demonstrates these values and is an excellent spokesperson for FCA and a true spokesperson for the Lord Jesus Christ. His walk matches his talk. He is a gentleman of true Christian character and integrity, and he most exemplifies a Christ-like spirit. He has touched countless lives for Christ, including the life of this writer.
         He has always been a winning coach on the football field, but, more importantly, he is a winning coach off the football field, on the winning team that is most important of all, the team for Christ. As Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”


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Coach Tommy Bowden: The Bible is the Game Plan for Life

Linda Bowden: Life is Fragile, Handle with Prayer

Tommy and Linda Bowden are presented the first Lighthouse Award

Faith, Family, and Football: Coaches Tommy and Bobby Bowden are witnesses for Christ

Beyond the Game: Coaches Tommy and Bobby Bowden support FCA