Don Bosseler, a towering figure in college and professional football, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of toughness, determination, and greatness both at the University of Miami and in the NFL. Bosseler’s death, which occurred Wednesday in Atlanta, was confirmed by his family and the National Football Foundation.
Bosseler was a fullback for the University of Miami, where he became an All-American and led the Hurricanes to a No. 6 ranking in the nation in 1956. A player whose tenacity and grit earned him the nickname “Bull,” Bosseler was the epitome of old-school football toughness, a quality that would define his entire career. His name remains enshrined in the records at Miami nearly 70 years after his stellar college career.
“Don Bosseler’s talents helped the Miami football program achieve national prominence in the 1950s,” said National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning. “An All-American, he epitomized toughness and his name still stands in the records books at the ‘U’ nearly seven decades later.”
Bosseler’s football journey began in Batavia, New York, where he played high school football. He was heavily recruited by colleges across the country, ultimately choosing to play for the University of Miami. However, his path to greatness wasn’t without challenges. Homesick early in his college career, Bosseler packed his bags and prepared to leave Miami. But his roommate, Don Dorshimer, convinced Coach Andy Gustafson to convince Bosseler to stay just one more day. That day turned into an illustrious career that would forever be a part of Miami football history.
As a junior and senior, Bosseler led the Hurricanes in rushing, and in 1956 he was named a first-team AP All-American. He was also honored as the MVP of the Senior Bowl and was named the outstanding player in Florida. Bosseler’s remarkable performance against the Florida Gators in 1956 remains one of the best individual showings in Miami’s history. He rushed for 148 yards, scored two touchdowns, intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble, and even kicked the ball for 47 yards.
Bosseler’s college success earned him a spot as the ninth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, where he played for eight seasons. He rushed for 3,112 yards and 22 touchdowns during his time in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 1959. Among those taken ahead of him in that draft were legendary players Paul Hornung and Jim Brown.
But true to his humble nature, Bosseler wasn’t focused on the big names ahead of him. After the draft, he called Hornung and Brown to ask what they had signed for, and soon after he secured a $10,000 contract with a $500 signing bonus from Washington. And in typical Bosseler fashion, he spent the entire bonus in one night out with his University of Miami teammates.
Following his NFL career, Bosseler settled in Miami, where he thrived as a stockbroker. In 1970, he was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame, and in 1990, he was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greats of the sport. His name lives on in the University of Miami’s Ring of Honor, a testament to his indelible impact on the program.
His son, Greg Bosseler, who played for the Florida Gators, shared fond memories of his father. “My dad was my hero,” Greg said, reflecting on the respect his father earned and the lasting legacy he left. Though his father was far more talented, the bond they shared over their love of football was something they cherished throughout their lives.
Don Bosseler may have passed, but his legacy in college and professional football will never fade. He was a symbol of perseverance, pride, and the grit it takes to succeed at the highest level of the game.
