Don “Bull” Bosseler, a 1990 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who was a four-year starter at fullback for the Miami Hurricianes from 1953-56, passed away Nov. 6. He was 88.
“Don Bosseler’s talents helped the Miami football program achieve national prominence in the 1950s,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “ 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. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing, and our thoughts are prayers are with his family and friends.”
Playing for College Football Hall of Fame coach Andy Gustafson, Bosseler gained 1,642 yards rushing in his UM career, which at the time ranked second all-time in school history and places him 21st in UM annals today. He led the team in rushing both in 1956 with 723 yards (4.5yard average) and in 1955 with 435 yards (4.2-yard average).
In his senior year, 1956, he helped the team to an 8-1-1 record, was named All-America by the Associated Press, and was MVP in the Senior Bowl. Miami placed sixth nationally, its highest ranking until the 1983 national championship season. Bosseler was not only an All-American, but he was the team captain, voted the outstanding player in Florida, the Senior Bowl MVP and picked for the College All-Star game.
“Being chosen for the Hall of Fame is meaningful,” Gustafson said at the time of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. “It is the epitome of going to college and playing the game. I am highly honored.”
Washington drafted him in the first round in 1957, ninth overall. A 1959 Pro Bowl selection, Bosseler played all eight seasons of his professional career with the Redskins, rushing for 3,112 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns from 19571964. After his football days, he joined Prudential Bache in Miami and became a vicepresident.
Born, Jan. 24, 1936, in Weatherfield, New York, Bosseler played at Batavia High School before being recruited to Miami by Gustafson. Bosseler was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame in 1970, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and the UM Ring of Honor in 1999.
