Bobby Bowden reckoned there has never been an actor in Hollywood who had more humility than Burt Reynolds.

"When he came around, he was like one of us," Bowden said.

One of us, of course, was a Seminole.

For life.

Though Reynolds played only parts of two seasons (1954 and 1957) at Florida State before a knee injury ended his football career, his connection to the Seminoles remained genuine and strong. Reynolds went on to become an iconic movie star, director and sex symbol, but he always treasured his return trips to Tallahassee during football season.

Reynolds, who died last September at age 82, was honored Friday night in the Dunlap Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium. Seminole Boosters, Inc., held the fourth installment in its Pillars of Champions series with the pillar unveiling and ceremony recognizing Reynolds.

Special guests included Reynolds' son Quinton Reynolds and his niece Nancy Lee Hess. The ceremony featured introductions from Gene Deckerhoff, a video of Reynolds, a heartfelt speech of thanks from Hess and, of course, Bowden's witty storytelling. Reynolds, a running back, ran for 146 career yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns at FSU.

"To him, FSU football and coach Bowden were as much a part of his life as his film career," Hess told the crowd. "If he couldn't be here in Tallahassee for his game, I can assure every TV in his home was turned to the Seminole game. We all know what home means to each of us. Home is a place where you feel comfort, love and respect for who you are. This is why FSU meant so much to him. This is how he felt when he was here.

"It was his home."

Bowden, the Seminoles' legendary football coach who retired following the 2009 season, told the group how Reynolds stopped by his office on Fridays when he was in town for games. Bowden shut the door and said the pair told stories and "laughed and laughed and laughed. I really enjoyed that,' Bowden said.

Bowden, with tongue in cheek, explained how Reynolds went on a recruiting trip with him to Ohio back when alumni were permitted to do so. "How can I get a better (recruiter) than Burt Reynolds?" Bowden said. "That would open some eyes." Bowden explained the prospective recruit lived with his mother and didn't have a father.

"While I am sitting there recruiting that boy, Burt is talking to the momma. … you understand," Bowden said as the crowd laughed. "Then we went out for supper. Back in those days you could take them out for supper. We go out to supper and have a good visit, momma and Burt, me and the boy. While the boy and I were talking football, Burt was out there dancing with the momma."

Bowden, saying he wanted to make a long story short, told the crowd that FSU didn't land the recruit. He went to Notre Dame.

But....

"The momma came to Florida State," Bowden said.

On a serious note, Bowden also told the crowd that when he, along with wife Ann and his longtime football secretary Sue Hall, attended Reynolds' 80th birthday party in his hometown of Jupiter, Reynolds shared his testimony with him.

"He said Jesus Christ was his savior," Bowden said. "That means he's right up there (pointing skyward), watching us. I know he's laughing."

The event was capped by the unveiling of Reynolds' pillar by Reynolds' son Quinton that features a large image of the Seminole player. Quinton, 30, who resides in Los Angeles, is the adopted son of Reynolds and his ex-wife, actress Loni Anderson. Reynolds once hailed Quinton as “his greatest achievement” in life.

Quinton told the Democrat he enjoyed his trips to Tallahassee with his father as a youth. Family and friends toured FSU's athletic facility and campus Friday and was scheduled to attend Saturday's spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium.

"This is absolutely fantastic," said Quinton, who is yes-sir, no-sir polite.

"This is an honor to be here, it's a pleasure to be at this school of all schools. I grew up with Florida State. Watching games, visiting coach Bowden, Mr. (Gene) Deckerhoff, being able to meet him and grow up with them, that's Florida State. That's the energy, that's the vibe. Knowing them was everything. This facility is absolutely fantastic. Seeing the film program here is phenomenal.

"Who wouldn't want to come here? I would want to come here all over again."

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com