Hall of Fame
Position: Fullback
Years: 1953-1956
Place of Birth: Weathersfield, NY
Date of Birth: Jan 24, 1936
Jersey Number: 40
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
High School: Batavia, NY (Batavia HS)
Date of Death: Nov. 6, 2024
Place of Death: Atlanta, Ga.
A four-year starter, Don "Bull" 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. Playing for College Football Hall of Fame coach Andy Gustafson, He led the team in rushing both in 1956 with 723 yards (4.5-yard 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," Bosseler 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 1957-1964. After his football days, he joined Prudential Bache in Miami and became a vice-president.
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.
