Corey Simon has viewed Bobby Bowden as a father figure since stepping onto the FSU campus in 1995. Simon grew to become an All-American defensive tackle at Florida State under the legendary coach and, was eventually, selected sixth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2000 NFL Draft.
These days, Simon has ventured into politics and serves as the state Senator for the 3rd District in Florida and his commitment to honoring his former coach is as strong as ever. He recently submitted a bill to rename the Tallahasse International Airport to the 'Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport' and today the bill passed through the Senate, 34-3, and will head back to the House of Representatives to approve some additional amendments to the piece of legislation.Â
This would obviously be a wonderful honor and well deserved. There probably isn't a figure more synonymous with Florida State and the city of Tallahassee than Bowden.Â
Will Tallahassee International Airport be renamed for Bobby Bowden? https://t.co/H3XkX71YXi
— Tallahassee Democrat (@TDOnline) March 11, 2026
Bill that would add Bobby Bowden's name to Tallahassee Airport advances through state Senate
The success that FSU football has enjoyed over the past 50 years is directly associated with the program that Bowden built during his time as head coach of the Seminoles from 1976-2009. He won the National Championship in 1993 and 1999 and, maybe even more remarkably, led FSU to consecutive top five finishes from 1987 to 2000.Â
During that historic run, Bowden coached two Heisman Trophy winners (Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke) and numerous All-Americans, including cornerback Deion Sanders, linebacker Derrick Brooks and defensive back LeRoy Butler — all of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Â
Bowden finished his time at FSU with a record of 304-97-4 with 18 seasons of 10 or more wins and only one losjng season, a 5-6 record in his first year (1976). If things go as expected, it will just be a matter of time before fans can fly into Tallahassee on a big-game weekend and hear the pilot say 'Welcome to Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport'.