AMERICA | 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.
Bowles, now 59 years old, left Temple University in 1986 to pursue a professional football career. Though he went on to achieve great success, one thing remained unfinished—his college degree.
He had made a promise to his late mother, Joan, that he would one day return to school.“She never pressured me, just let me live my life. But before she passed in 2009, she asked me to make sure I got my degree,” Bowles said.
After leaving college, Bowles joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Washington, where he played for eight seasons and won Super Bowl XXII in his second year. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, starting at Morehouse College in 1997.
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Despite these professional achievements, he always felt something was missing—his education.
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.
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