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From Bandits to Seminoles, Burt Reynolds left a rich Tampa sports legacy

Burt Reynolds at a Tampa Bay Bandits news conference in August 1982. [Times files]
Burt Reynolds at a Tampa Bay Bandits news conference in August 1982. [Times files]
By
Published Sept. 7, 2018

Although Burt Reynolds is sure to be remembered on a national scale as one of acting's leading men in the 1970s, longtime residents will surely remember him for his ties to sports — both in Tampa and across the state.

Reynolds, who died Thursday at age 82, was a star running back at Florida State before a knee injury cut his career short. But it was years later, when the name that was synonymous with one of his most well-known roles became the identity of Tampa Bay's entry in the fledgling United States Football League in the early 1980s, that he made his indelible mark on Tampa Bay sports.

RELATED: Burt Reynolds, who described Tampa as 'my other hometown,' dies at 82

Reynolds was a minority owner of the now-defunct Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League from 1983-86, the team's only years of existence. He also was one of the most prominent figures associated with the team.

Named only in part after Reynolds' role in Smokey and the Bandit, the Bandits were coached by Steve Spurrier and quarterbacked by Tampa native John Reaves, who died in Aug. 2017. The team led the USFL in total attendance and had an average attendance of over 43,000 fans a game.

The Bandits were successful in the USFL, both on the field and in the seats of Tampa Stadium, going 35-19 in three seasons as Reynolds famously watched on from the sideline with fellow celebrities at his side.

READ MORE: John Reaves, former Robinson, Gators and Bucs quarterback, dies at 67

Featured on the cover of the Bandits' 1983 media guide was a head shot of Reynolds, who was smiling and donning a classic 80's-style Bandits hat and jacket.

Burt Reynolds with former Bucs and Tampa Bay Bandits quarterback John Reaves in 1982. Reynolds was a minority owner of the Bandits. Reaves passed away one year ago. This photo appeared in the @TorontoStar and the @TBTimes_Sports. Also, Burt Reynolds on the Bandits' media guide. pic.twitter.com/tOgEJtzssg

Before playing the role of a football player in The Longest Yard, Reynolds was a real-life player and a highly touted recruit out of West Palm Beach. His play earned him a scholarship to play football at FSU in the 1950s, where he would then room and build a lifelong connection with future coach and ESPN broadcaster Lee Corso.

Reynolds rushed for 134 yards on 16 carries his freshman season. A knee injury in the first game of his sophomore year, however, would ultimately cut his career short.

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You probably know the connection between Burt and Florida State, but if not, here goes:

: https://t.co/LEDQqXTLpA pic.twitter.com/6MhWh56dQN

Despite the career-ending injury, Reynolds remained connected to FSU football over the years as he simultaneously rose to fame in Hollywood.

"We have always stayed in touch," Corso told the Associated Press. "It was just two weeks ago that we were talking about the upcoming college football season, and the 'Noles. Burt, better known as 'buddy' to his friends, loved FSU football and no matter how big a star he became, he never forgot his friends from the FSU football family."

Rob Wilson, FSU's associate athletic director, said in a release Friday that Reynolds would put his arm around former FSU coach Bobby Bowden "like he never wanted to let go."

The release also touched on Reynolds' inadvertent marketing of the program in the height of his stardom, saying the south Florida native consistently hung FSU pennants at the set of his movies and "constantly sung the praises of the Seminoles."

"He loved Florida State and he loved Florida State football," Bowden told the Tallahassee Democrat on Thursday. "What you saw on film is what you got. That was Burt. He acted as himself. That courage and physical skill. He was a great guy. When he'd come to games, we'd sit in my office and tell jokes. He had a great sense of humor."

PHOTOS: Burt Reynolds, an iconic actor with lifelong Florida ties

Reynolds' inadvertent marketing of the Seminoles turned direct following the 1980 season after he "decided the Seminoles' uniforms weren't flashy enough for television," according to Wilson.

So, to revamp the team's uniforms, the then 44-year-old Reynolds went to a costume designer friend in Hollywood and designed all-gold pants as well as other tweaks to the Seminoles' game jersey, according to the release. He then had jerseys made for the team and shipped to Tallahassee, along with a note, "If you like 'em, wear 'em."

The Seminoles did.

And as the star is now gone, his fans and friends, from both the world of sports and film, have take to social media to praise and remember Reynolds.

Burt Reynolds used to love to tell the story of how Bobby Bowden knew his name — "Buddy." It wasn't until later that he realized Bobby Bowden called everyone Buddy. RIP, Buddy. pic.twitter.com/zmbqAH50pT

"The entire FSU family is saddened to learn we have lost our good friend Burt Reynolds. ... We will miss him dearly." - FSU President John Thrasher pic.twitter.com/tNOyE8EDlT

Burt Reynolds has died at age 82.
From Smokey and the Bandit to the Golden Girls.
I grew up watching Burt Reynolds.
Blessings on your journey home.#RIPBurtReynolds pic.twitter.com/5OsbRbOQ70

Burt Reynolds and my dad were close friends. BR gave my dad this FSU leather jacket around 95. The day I committed to The #Canes, @walterpayton came home, grab the jacket & said "time to get rid of this." RIP BR pic.twitter.com/M9fsQDxg5h

"Stroker Ace was born to race"
Much respect to you Burt Reynolds. RIP pic.twitter.com/w8FlIShmIR

Burt Reynolds & Clint Eastwood were fired from GUNSMOKE & RAWHIDE at the same time. Burt was told he couldn't act and Clint his neck was too skinny. In the parking lot, Burt said to Clint, "I dunno what you're gonna do, but I'm gonna take acting lessons." #RIPBurtReynolds

Memories with Burt Reynolds. I loved you too! #RIP pic.twitter.com/4kQt6nq6IK

Up next:Sports on TV/radio for Friday, September 7

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