By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Patrick Bonner, former Boyd Anderson High All-State quarterback and FHSAA 5A basketball state champion, was inducted into the Florida A&M University 2023 Sports Hall of Fame during enshrinement ceremonies held Friday, September 22, 2023, at the Hansel E. Tookes, Sr. Recreation Center. One of six honorees ( Dr. Janelle R. Baker – Supporter, Willie Brown – Football, Brenda R. Fogle – Women’s Basketball, Terrence Hinson – Track & Field, Teresa Jenkins – Women’s Basketball, Nakia Linson – Track & Field and Kenya Pereira – Softball), Patrick, in one of the most amazing single season, record setting performances, broke every conceivable passing record in the annals of FAMU, the MEAC Conference and the NCAA. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Billy Joe, Patrick was named Black College and MEAC Player of the Year after passing for over 4200 yards and 42 touchdowns, leading the Rattlers to an 11-2 record. This year’s Enshrinement Weekend was dedicated to the memory of the late Kenneth “Ken” Riley, a legendary student/athlete, coach and administrator who was elected to the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame this past January. Notable Broward County FAMU Hall members include Mr. Frank Scruggs and Quinn Grey.
Patrick Bonner began his journey as a freshman at Boyd Anderson High School, Fort Lauderdale, confident enough to believe that he should be starting on the varsity as a freshman, and if he had his druthers and weighed more than a 140 pounds, he probably could have. He was that talented. He instead led the junior varsity team to a successful season before ascending to the varsity, starting his sophomore year. His passing skills and fiery leadership elevated the program yearly. In his senior year, he led the Cobras to the regional finals where the Cobras were defeated by Santaluces High, led by eventual New England Patriot Super Bowl champion Vince Wilfork.
After football season, Pat led Boyd Anderson to the 5A state basketball championship. Once a successful collegiate career at Temple University in Philadelphia ended, he transferred to FAMU, a transformative decision that changed his life’s trajectory. He played professionally with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before concluding his professional football career in the CFL.
A contingent of family and friends that filled 3 tables at the banquet induction ceremony traveled to Tallahassee to celebrate this auspicious occasion with him: his wife Bianca and children – daughter Chase and sons Patrick, Parker, and Pace; father Alex Bonner, uncle Dwayne Dillard, aunt Francine Dillard, sisters Brittney, Whitney, and Ashley Blue; cousins Dorinda, Sonia and Carma Lynn Henry; Friends Latoya and Merv Patrick and high school coach Nunnie Robinson. Missing from the family support was Pat’s mother, the late Mrs. Debbie Dillard, without question his staunchest supporter, and the rock of the family, his grandmother, the late Mrs. Dorothy “Aunt Dot” Dillard. We are assured that both were and are proudly smiling down from Heaven. Congrats Mr. Patrick Bonner, FAMU Hall of Famer and Godspeed.
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