Don Bosseler, the All-American fullback who played a pivotal role in propelling the University of Miami football team to national prominence in the 1950s, passed away Wednesday in Atlanta at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by his family and the National Football Foundation on Thursday.
A legacy in college football
Being a standout player for the Miami Hurricanes, Bossler earned his first-team All-American honours in 1956 and helped lead the team to a No. 6 ranking in the Associated Press poll that year. His remarkable toughness on the field earned him the nickname "Bull," a moniker that has remained synonymous with his legacy, even nearly seven decades later.
"Don Bosseler's talents helped the Miami football program achieve national prominence in the 1950s," said Archie Manning, Chairman of the National Football Foundation. "An All-American, he epitomized toughness, earning the nickname 'Bull,' and you can still find his name in the records books at the 'U' nearly 70 years later."
NFL career and Pro Bowl selection
Following his successful college career, Bosseler was selected in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Washington Football Team (then known as the Washington Redskins), picked ninth overall. Over his eight seasons in the NFL, Bosseler amassed 3,112 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1959 and established himself as a powerful force in the backfield.
Bosseler’s 1957 draft class included future legends such as Paul Hornung (No. 1 pick) and Jim Brown (No. 6 pick), but Bosseler held his own, securing a contract with Washington worth $10,000 with a $500 signing bonus. In typical Bosseler fashion, he reportedly spent that bonus in one night, enjoying a celebratory evening with his University of Miami teammates.
From homesick freshman to Miami star
Bosseler's football journey began in Batavia, New York, near Buffalo, where he played high school football before heading to Miami. Although heavily recruited, he almost left the university early due to homesickness. However, a call from his roommate, Don Dorshimer, prompted coach Andy Gustafson to intervene, and Bosseler decided to stay, ultimately leading the Hurricanes in rushing during both his junior and senior years.
His breakout performance came in 1956 when he led Miami to a 20-7 victory over the University of Florida. Bosseler covered 148 yards of ground which was 23 yards more than the entire Florida team, and scored two touchdowns. His dominant performance that day earned him accolades from sports journalists and further solidified his All-American status.
Life after football
After his football career, Bosseler remained a prominent figure in Miami, eventually moving to Atlanta in his later years. He became a successful stockbroker and was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1970. Bosseler’s remarkable contributions to college football earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990, and his name is forever honoured in Miami’s Ring of Honor.
"My dad was my hero," said Greg Bosseler, Don's son. "After all this time, that people still recognize the name is certainly a treasured gift for all of us."
