After Bobby Bowden was done speaking Thursday morning at Bradenton Auditorium, the legendary coach received a number of gifts and shows of gratitude for coming to the Third Annual Leadership Prayer Breakfast for Take Stock in Children of Manatee County.
One of them was a hug from Peter Warrick.
The former Southeast High School star helped Bowden win FSU's second national championship in 1999 with an MVP performance.
The better part of Warrick's football career is behind him now.
So, too, its travails like the foolish Dillard's shopping scam.
Yet a decade later, after six years in the NFL and brief stints in Canada, Arena League, United Football League and Indoor Football League, the former first-round draft choice has never forgotten the coach who stood by his side, helped him get back on track as an impact player and, more importantly, as a young man.
Their long embrace behind the podium spoke volumes Thursday morning.
Later, after signing autographs and posing for pictures with FSU fans and folks who remember the excitement he generated at Southeast, Warrick paid Bowden the highest of compliments.
"He made me a man," the former Seminole said. "He was my father away from home."
Thursday, February 4, 2010
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