Malik Willis Recieves Bobby Bowden Award At Convocation

During Convocation March 23, quarterback Malik Willis added another award to his shelf — one that emphasizes faith and character over touchdowns and talent. 

Willis received the 2021 Bobby Bowden Award that recognizes one college football player who magnifies Christ throughout the football season. The special Convocation included a video recording of Bowden, who died in 2021, Bowden’s sons Tommy and Terry and others who helped tell the story of why Willis was chosen for this award. 

“Life and death is a lot more important than winning or losing,” Bobby Bowden said in a video about the award. “I felt like when I coached a young man, I had to be sure that he was the best athlete possible. I had to be sure that he graduated from college, and I wanted him to know about Jesus.” 

To kick off Convocation, Liberty students watched a video that explained the significance of this award and showed highlights from Bobby Bowden’s life. Bowden was a former Florida State Seminoles coach and is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time. Bowden committed his life and coaching career to the Lord.

In 2003, the Bobby Bowden Student Athlete of the Year Award was first awarded as a way to recognize Christ in football. To carry on the tradition, two of Bowden’s sons, Tommy and Terry, came to Liberty to present this award to Willis in honor of their father.  

In addition, former Bobby Bowden Award recipient Christian Ponder and his wife Samantha Ponder also joined the brothers for the presentation.  In 2010, Christian Ponder, who played for Bowden during his tenure at Florida State, won the Bobby Bowden Award to recognize his faith and testimony throughout his athletic career.  Samantha Ponder currents works as the host of “Sunday NFL Countdown” on ESPN is a Liberty Alumna.  

Before presenting Willis with the award, the guests along with Liberty football Head Coach Hugh Freeze sat with Willis and discussed the significance of this award and explained why he was chosen. 

“A lot of this award that we’re here to celebrate today is about … the whole athlete and celebrating guys that excel both on and off the field,” Samantha Ponder said as she introduced the award.  

During this discussion, the guests described the impact Bobby Bowden had on football and their lives. 

 “To every player that came to that (Florida State) locker room … he was going to share his faith, and it was an amazing thing to see,” Christian Ponder said. “He was a father figure to so many players who walked through those doors.”

Freeze described his initial impression of Willis and his decision to recruit him onto the team. Freeze said the quarterback’s character and testimony distinguished Willis, explaining how he represented the Bobby Bowden award on the field.  

“The way he’s modeled, treating people like Coach Bowden did, is really the thing I’m most pleased with (in) Malik,” Freeze said.

Samantha Ponder talked with Willis and had him describe his outlook on faith and football and how he keeps God as a priority despite the challenges of life.  

“You just keep looking up, don’t look out,” Willis said. 

Willis was then presented with the award, followed by an applause from Liberty students.

“I think it’s exciting to have someone from our school win this award,” freshman John Weathersby said.  “It definitely shows that he is an outstanding athlete, but (it) also highlights his character and his dedication to the Lord, which is what Liberty strives to teach students.”

Tanner is a news reporter. Follow her on Twitter