FSU Football: Odell Haggins gets emotional when describing love for Noles

FSU football has several people who have had their lives tied to the program – one of the best has to be former player and longtime assistant Odell Haggins.

When the world of FSU football gets together, nothing is better than the garnet and gold. From Doak Campbell Stadium to the tomahawk chop to the countless great memories the Seminoles have produced – whether you are a graduate of the school, a current student or a fan, being a Seminoles means something more than every other place in the country.

When it comes to the football program itself, there are very few names more synonymous with the 71 season history than longtime assistant coach, undefeated interim head coach and All-American defensive tackle Odell Haggins. When the Noles take the field to start season No. 72 this September, it will be the 30th one involving Haggins in some capacity.

Haggins was a star player for legendary head coach Bobby Bowden before a short stint in the NFL – during which time he came back to school, got his degree and started his assistant career. When the former head coach bailed before the end of the 2017 season, Haggins was the logical choice to lead the program to bowl eligibility and a 41st straight winning season.

Before last weekend’s annual spring game, Haggins was inducted into the FSU Almuni Association’s Circle of Gold – one of the highest honors that can be received by a graduate of the school. When giving his acceptance speech, Haggins became emotion about what not just FSU football meant to him – but the university as a whole and how blessed he was in his life.

You see what that was there? That was all heart and passion for the garnet and gold and everything that it is to be a Seminole. As a fellow graduate, I understand that feeling that comes with a degree from Florida State – but we are a family no matter what your tie is to the school, and Haggins showed the love and support for FSU football and the school as a whole in that clip.

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Haggins, who will be inducted into the school’s athletics Hall of Fame in September, is a man who would run through walls for Florida State University – he is a man we need to be proud of not just for everything associated with him on the football field and in the coaches’ room, but because he is someone we can be proud to call a fellow Seminole.