Where are they now Larry Pendleton
You always hear about athletes giving back to their university once they graduate, but not many have given back more to Florida State than Larry Pendleton. And we're not talking about money. The former offensive guard/linebacker spent 18 years with the Seminole athletic department in roles ranging from player, to coach, to athletic academic advisor, to assistant athletic director. They were years that defined a career and years that Pendleton will cherish forever.
"As a player, making lasting friendships with teammates and being part of the first team to beat U of FL in Gainesville in 1967," said Pendleton. "As an administrator, the honor and privilege of working for my great University for 18 years".
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From 1966-68, Pendleton was a rock in the Seminole football program. He started 33 games and was a two-time member of the Florida All-Star team. Then, in 1973, he returned to FSU as a graduate assistant under Larry Jones. The following two years, he was the offensive line coach under Darryl Mudra. In '76, he moved upstairs to academic advisor, and then finished off his FSU career as assistant athletic director.
Coming to FSU wasn't a tough call for Pendleton. He wanted to play football and do it in the Sunshine State. So FSU was a logical choice.
"I only had four scholarships out of high school. FSU, U of FL, University of Penn and the Naval Academy," said Pendleton. "I really wanted to stay in Florida and Dr. Bill Proctor recruited me to FSU and gave me a chance to prove myself. I owe my success to him.
"It was fun and relaxed, not elaborate. In those days, FSU was always the underdog and they wanted players who would be "blue collar" players."
By his own admission, Pendleton says he never knew he would come back after his playing days, but he did and he's here to stay. Today, he has a job that carries a lot of clout in the Sunshine State.
"I am President/CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation, the organization and company that oversees and promotes the Sports Industry for the State of Florida," said Pendleton. "As a player, I developed great work habits and that continued into my administrative career at FSU. I served under four Athletic Directors and learned much from them in directing people and getting along with people."
Staying in Tallahassee has allowed Pendleton to remain a major part of the FSU family and keep in touch with a lot of his former teammates and coaches.
"I have kept in touch with many; T.K. (Wetherell), Kim Hammond, Ken Hart, Jack Fenwick, Ron Sellers and others," said Pendleton. "These guys were special, not only as athletes, but people."
Pendleton never played for Bobby Bowden, but he has formed a very close relationship over the years. The two have a lot of friends in common and have ties that go far beyond the football field.
"Coach Bowden had left when I came in as a player," said Pendleton. "I worked for him when he first became Head Football Coach as an Academic Advisor, so I didn't get the benefit of learning from him as a coach. However, Coach Bowden taught me a lot about life and how to live my life with integrity and honesty. If you talk the talk, you must walk the walk. I am forever grateful to him for making me a better person."
As for the future, no matter what happens, Pendleton will be watching. He is after all a Seminole fan first and foremost.
"I think we are headed in the right direction," said Pendleton. "People need to be patient. We will be back to the glory years, but it won't be easy."
Lee Gordon is an Anchor/Reporter at WCTV in Tallahassee. Prior to his return to the Capital City, Lee spent three years as a Sports Anchor/Reporter at WTEV-WAWS in Jacksonville and prior to that was Sports Director at WCTV from 2000-2004. Lee has worked for Warchant.com for 5 years and brings over a decade of experience to our staff.
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