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During their football careers at Florida State, players had to learn to trust each other to achieve success.
They also learned the importance of accountability, unity and looking out for one another. Even while life happens and the years march on, the bonds formed between teammates decades ago often still last to this day.
That’s why it was an emotional January for Seminoles from the 1980s as three teammates died:
Running back Keith Ross (1985-88); return specialist Billy Allen (1981-84); and linebacker Shelton Thompson (1985-89).
The trio was part of 78 victories, including seven bowl wins.
FSU return specialist Billy Allen
“It hurts ,” said Sammie Smith, 57, who finished his FSU career (1985-88) as the program’s third-leading rusher with 2,538 yards. “It reminds you that life’s not promised, that the time we have here is a blessing. When you have somebody who has been impactful, has always been a great guy you rally around … we have a lot of teammates like that.
“We have to find a way to get even more involved with each other.”
More: Former Seminoles not fond of college football’s current landscape as game changes
FSU football in the 1980s under Bobby Bowden set tone for program’s success
It’s often said sports is symbolic of life. Life often requires teamwork and resiliency. Sports helps develop those skills.
FSU football during the 1980s under legendary coach Bobby Bowden set the tone for the program’s success. The 1987 Seminoles finished 11-1, which started an unprecedented streak of 14 consecutive seasons with 10 or more victories. Nearly 40 FSU players from that decade were selected in the NFL Draft, including Deion Sanders, who was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Ross’ death to open 2025 in early January buckled his former FSU teammates.
While Ross may not have been a household name to fans – he…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/hurts-deaths-former-florida-state-154822384.html
Author : Tallahassee Democrat
Publish date : 2025-02-02 15:48:00
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