Bobby Elliott was more than just a football coach; he was a communicator who understood the inherent worth in every individual. This understanding resonated deeply with Sage Rosenfels, a former Iowa State quarterback, who, in just one year under Elliott’s guidance, absorbed invaluable life lessons that extended far beyond the football field. Elliott’s ability to connect, build trust, and impart wisdom left an indelible mark on Rosenfels, shaping his approach to teamwork, leadership, and human interaction throughout his career and beyond.
Rosenfels, reflecting on Elliott’s brief but impactful tenure at Iowa State in 2000, recalls a coach who arrived amidst a period of transition. Dan McCarney had recently lost a promising young defensive backs coach, setting the stage for Elliott’s arrival. For Rosenfels, entering his final college season with aspirations of a bowl game, Elliott’s presence was intriguing. Growing up in Iowa, Rosenfels was well aware of the “Elliott” name, synonymous with Iowa Hawkeyes football and coaching excellence, largely due to Bobby’s father, Bump Elliott, a former Iowa athletic director. Rumors even circulated about Bobby Elliott potentially succeeding Hayden Fry as Iowa’s head coach, a testament to his esteemed reputation within the state.
However, Elliott’s journey took an unexpected detour. While Bob Stoops ultimately filled Fry’s shoes at Iowa, Elliott was notably absent from consideration due to his ongoing battle with cancer. Despite not being at full strength, Elliott’s long-standing friendship with McCarney led him to Iowa State. Rosenfels’ initial encounter with Elliott, clad in Iowa State gear, was a stark contrast to the Hawkeye attire he associated with Elliott during his youth. This subtle shift symbolized a new chapter, not just for Elliott but for Rosenfels as well.
As spring 2000 progressed, Rosenfels found himself drawn to Elliott’s approachable demeanor. Casual conversations after practice or in passing evolved into deeper discussions. Rosenfels, initially curious about Elliott’s experiences coaching Hawkeye legends, soon found these talks shifting towards the present, focusing on the Iowa State team, its dynamics, and the collective pursuit of victory. Elliott’s insights into the game were undeniable, but it was his understanding of people that truly stood out.
The relationship deepened with the onset of the football season. Every Friday, the pair would meet at a local Happy Joe’s for lunch. These weren’t just quick meals; they were extended dialogues over taco pizza and root beer, sometimes lasting up to two hours. Elliott, with his decades of coaching experience and intimate knowledge of McCarney’s personality, provided Rosenfels with invaluable perspectives on team dynamics, coaching staff motivations, and the delicate art of navigating diverse personalities within a team environment.
Sage Rosenfels in action during a football game, showcasing his quarterback skills and leadership on the field.
Elliott’s coaching style wasn’t characterized by loud pronouncements or forceful salesmanship. Instead, his influence was subtle yet profound, rooted in honesty and genuine friendliness. He possessed an innate ability to quickly cultivate trust, making players and colleagues alike feel valued and understood. While his football acumen was sharp, Elliott’s true gift lay in teaching life lessons through the lens of football. He instilled in his defensive backs a sense of unity and resilience that transcended Xs and Os, fostering a team ethos that proved crucial in pivotal moments.
The 2000 season witnessed a remarkable transformation in Iowa State’s defense, particularly the defensive backs. They became a force to be reckoned with, consistently delivering game-changing plays, a quality the team had previously lacked. This newfound resilience and effectiveness were a direct reflection of Elliott’s coaching and mentorship. His players didn’t just improve their skills; they maximized their potential, becoming a cornerstone of the team’s defense. This defensive prowess, coupled with strong performances across the team, propelled Iowa State to a nine-win season and a historic bowl game victory – the first in the university’s history.
While Rosenfels acknowledges the difficulty in quantifying Elliott’s precise contribution to the team’s success in just six months, he unequivocally affirms Elliott’s profound impact on his own life, both in 2000 and in the years that followed. He credits their sincere conversations with significantly enhancing his communication skills, a critical asset in his subsequent NFL career. As a backup quarterback, effective communication and trust are paramount. The role demands the ability to facilitate collaboration between players and coaches, providing reassurance and readiness to perform when called upon. These are precisely the characteristics that Elliott helped cultivate in Rosenfels.
One memory stands out vividly for Rosenfels: the euphoric aftermath of a significant road victory against Colorado. Exhausted but elated, Rosenfels found himself in the locker room, the air thick with steam from the mixture of snow, sweat, and emotion. Amidst the celebratory fog, he shared a moment with his freshman-year roommate, Ben Bruns, reflecting on their journey from naive newcomers to bowl-bound veterans. It was in this moment of shared triumph that Elliott entered, offering a silent but powerful bear hug. Words weren’t necessary; Elliott’s pride and joy were palpable. He understood the long road McCarney had traveled to reach this point, the challenges overcome, and the significance of the victory. The look on Elliott’s face, Rosenfels recalls, was akin to a father’s pride in his child’s achievement, a testament to the deep personal connection Elliott forged with his players.
Bobby Elliott was, in essence, a good man and an exceptional football coach. His legacy extends beyond wins and losses, residing in the lives he touched and the lessons he imparted. In a world often lacking genuine human connection, Elliott exemplified its power and importance. His passing is a significant loss, not just for Iowa sports, but for all who value integrity, empathy, and the profound impact of human connection. Sage Rosenfels’ tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring lesson Bobby Elliott taught: the value of connecting with every person we meet, a lesson that resonates far beyond the game of football. Thank you, Coach Elliott, for everything. You are deeply missed.
