College Football Legend Don Bosseler Dies at 88

College Football Legend Don Bosseler Dies at 88 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Don Bosseler, an All-American fullback who led the University of Miami to national prominence in 1956, has passed away at 88. Known for his power and leadership, Bosseler also played eight seasons in the NFL and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990. His legacy endures in Miami’s football history and beyond.

Don Bosseler’s Life and Legacy Quick Looks:

• College Star: Propelled Miami to a No. 6 AP ranking in 1956.
• Hall of Fame Inductee: Entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
• NFL Success: Drafted ninth overall by Washington, playing eight seasons and making the 1959 Pro Bowl.
• Draft Class Legends: Included alongside icons like Paul Hornung and Jim Brown.
• Early Football Roots: Grew up near Buffalo, NY, and was highly recruited for college.
• Life-Changing Moment: Nearly left Miami due to homesickness but stayed after Coach Andy Gustafson intervened.
• Memorable Performance: Led Miami to victory over Florida in 1956 with 148 rushing yards and multiple key plays.
• Legacy and Family: His son, Greg Bosseler, also played college football, choosing Florida.

Deep Look:

Don Bosseler, the legendary fullback who became a cornerstone of Miami Hurricanes football in the 1950s, passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family and the National Football Foundation. He died on Wednesday in Atlanta, closing a chapter that began with a storied college and NFL career and continued through a life devoted to community and family.

Bosseler’s impact on the University of Miami was profound. He joined the program during a time when the school was still building its reputation on the national stage. By 1956, Bosseler had cemented himself as a star, leading the Hurricanes to a No. 6 ranking in the Associated Press poll and earning a first-team All-American nod. Nicknamed “Bull” for his physical style of play, he epitomized toughness on the field. National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning praised Bosseler’s enduring influence: “Don Bosseler’s talents helped the Miami football program achieve national prominence in the 1950s, and his name remains in the records books at the ‘U’ nearly 70 years later.”

Bosseler’s college journey was not without challenges. Born in Batavia, New York, near Buffalo, he was highly sought after in high school for his prowess on the football field. Although he chose Miami, he almost abandoned the school early on due to homesickness. His roommate, fellow running back Don Dorshimer, quickly informed head coach Andy Gustafson, saying, “Bosseler’s on the loose.” Gustafson rushed to the train station, found Bosseler, and convinced him to stay one more day. That pivotal moment changed the trajectory of both Bosseler’s life and Miami football history.

Bosseler’s college career saw him leading the Hurricanes in rushing during his junior and senior years. His standout 1956 season included a memorable performance against the Florida Gators in which he racked up 148 rushing yards, scored two touchdowns, intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble, and even delivered a 47-yard quick kick. The Fort Lauderdale News sports editor Joe Kolb captured the essence of that game, writing, “Is that All-America, or isn’t it?” Bosseler’s efforts in 1956 also earned him the title of Florida’s outstanding player and MVP of the Senior Bowl.

His collegiate accomplishments caught the attention of the NFL, leading to his selection as the ninth overall pick in the 1957 draft by Washington. Bosseler entered the professional league alongside some of football’s greatest players, including Paul Hornung, drafted first overall, and Jim Brown, selected sixth. Bosseler humorously called both Hornung and Brown to ask about their contracts and secured his own $10,000 deal with a $500 signing bonus. His son Greg recalled that Bosseler spent the entire bonus in a single night celebrating with his Miami teammates, exemplifying his warm and generous nature. “I think they had a good time,” Greg shared.

Bosseler played for Washington for eight seasons, amassing 3,112 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. His power and skill earned him a spot in the 1959 Pro Bowl, marking a high point in his professional career. Despite stiff competition and the physical demands of the NFL, he maintained a reputation for being a relentless and reliable player.

Off the field, Bosseler’s life remained intertwined with Miami. He chose to make the city his home after retiring from football, transitioning into a successful career as a stockbroker. In 1970, his dedication to the university and local community was recognized when he was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame. Two decades later, in 1990, he achieved one of the sport’s highest honors with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. The Hurricanes further honored him by including his name in their ring of honor, a permanent reminder of his contributions to the program.

Despite Greg Bosseler choosing to play college football at rival Florida, it was a decision Don respected, and the two shared laughs over it in later years. “I was not anywhere near as talented as my father,” Greg admitted, underscoring the admiration he held for the man who was both his father and hero.

Bosseler’s legacy extends beyond the accolades and records. His story reflects themes of resilience, loyalty, and love for both the game and those around him. In his later years, as he moved from Miami to Atlanta, Bosseler remained a figure of reverence within the college football community. “After all this time, that people still recognize the name is certainly a treasured gift for all of us at this point,” Greg said, adding, “My dad was my hero.”

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