Hurricanes Football Tradition Grows
Nov. 4, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami athletic director Paul Deeannounces the selection of Hurricane football greats Ottis Anderson, DonBosseler, Bernie Kosar and Burgess Owens for induction into the Ring ofHonor. The four will have their names and jersey numbers permanentlyaffixed for display on the face of the Orange Bowl’s upper deck at theRutgers game on November 20th.
“The University of Miami football program looks forward to havingthe opportunity to recognize Ottis Anderson, Don Bosseler, Bernie Kosar andBurgess Owens,” said Dee. “They have distinguished themselves during theircareers and are among the many outstanding players that we are proud to callHurricanes.”
Ottis Anderson (1975-78) became the first player in Miami history torush for more than 1,000 yards in a season (1978). Anderson is theHurricanes’ all-time career rushing leader (3,331) and thee times during hiscareer posted single-season rushing totals that rank in the top 10 at Miami. He was a first-round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Hopefully being honored at the University of Miami is just thebeginning forme,” commented Anderson. “This is the highest honor you can achieve at UMand hopefully this will lead to my being inducted into the Pro Football Hallof Fame. This isa great moment for me.”
Don Bosseler played fullback at UM from 1953-56. He finished hiscareer with 1,642 rushing yards, which at the time ranked second all-time.Bosseler was an All-American and a first-round draft pick of the WashingtonRedskins. In 1990 he was inducted into the National Football FoundationHall of Fame.
“I am elated to be honored with such great players, like OttisAnderson,Bernie Kosar, and Burgess Owens,” Bosseler said. “It’s the highest honorthat theUniversity of Miami Athletic Department can bestow on their football playersand I am proud to be one of the four inducted this year and one of the eightplayers inducted overall.”
Bernie Kosar (1982-84) was instrumental in the University of Miamibecoming known as “Quarterback U.” Kosar guided the Hurricanes to theirfirst of four National Championships in 1983. He holds the top spot on theUM single-season list for pass attempts (416), pass completions (262) andpassing yards (3,642). In 1998 Kosar was inducted in the GTE/CoSIDAAcademic All-America Hall of Fame.
“I am truly honored to be inducted,” said Kosar. “The University ofMiami and the Orange Bowl hold so many special memories for me. The historyof both Miami football and the Orange Bowl is so rich, that I’m just happyto be included.”
Burgess Owens patrolled the Miami secondary from 1970-72, earningAll-American honors. Ownes finished his UM career with 160 tackles, eightinterceptions and three fumble recoveries. He was named the most valuableplayer of the 1973 Senior Bowl and went on to be a first-round draft pick ofthe New York Jets.
“This is a very exciting moment for me,” said Owens. “UM means a lotto me and I’m very happy to be inducted with these three guys, this is agreat group. I’m also proud to be a part of the rebirth of Miami footballand what Butch is doing there.”
The Ring of Honor was established during the 1997 season as a way torecognize the outstanding players that have passed through the HurricaneFootball program. This becomes the second class to be inducted.
Anderson, Bosseler, Kosar and Owens join Jim Dooley, George Mira,Sr., Ted Hendricks and Vinny Testaverde in the Ring of Honor.
