CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Don Bosseler, a celebrated All-American fullback who helped elevate the University of Miami football program to prominence in the 1950s, has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family and the National Football Foundation. He died on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Bosseler’s impact on the Miami football team was substantial, propelling them to a notable No. 6 ranking in the 1956 Associated Press poll. “Don Bosseler’s talents helped the Miami football program achieve national prominence in the 1950s,” stated Archie Manning, the National Football Foundation Chairman. Bosseler, known for his tough playing style and nicknamed “Bull,” remains a significant figure in Miami’s football history, with his name still present in the team’s record books nearly 70 years later.

In 1957, he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by Washington, where he was the ninth overall pick. Over the course of his eight-season NFL career, Bosseler accumulated a total of 3,112 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1959. Among the players drafted before him that year were renowned names like Paul Hornung, the top overall pick, and Jim Brown, the sixth pick. After the draft, Bosseler humorously reached out to both players to inquire about their contract deals, ultimately signing with Washington for $10,000 alongside a $500 signing bonus. His son, Greg Bosseler, reminisced about how Don spent his entire signing bonus in one night with friends from the University of Miami.

Bosseler’s football journey began in Batavia, New York, where he played high school football before being scouted heavily by various colleges. Although he decided to attend Miami, homesickness almost led him to leave soon after arriving. In a memorable turn of events, his roommate alerted Miami’s coach, Andy Gustafson, resulting in a desperate plea for him to stay just one more day, which ultimately led to his successful college career.

As Junior and Senior seasons progressed, Bosseler became the team’s leading rusher, was recognized as a first-team AP All-American in 1956, and was named the standout player in Florida and MVP of the Senior Bowl. A highlight of his college career came during a game against the Florida Gators in 1956, where Bosseler dominated the field with 148 rushing yards—outperforming the entire Gator team—and scored two touchdowns.

Greg Bosseler, who also pursued football at the University of Florida, fondly recalled his father’s talent and the jovial discussions they had about their respective team choices over the years. “I was not anywhere near as talented as my father,” he admitted.

After his playing days, Don Bosseler maintained ties to Miami before relocating to Atlanta in his later years, where he enjoyed a successful career as a stockbroker. He was inducted into the Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1970 and recognized in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990. His legacy is also commemorated in the Hurricanes’ ring of honor.

Reflecting on the enduring recognition of his father’s name, Greg said, “After all this time, that people still recognize the name is certainly a treasured gift for all of us at this point. My dad was my hero.”