Florida A&M Rattlers football

Florida A&M Rattlers football
Name	Florida A&M Rattlers football
Founded	1907
Stadium	Bragg Memorial Stadium
Capacity	25,500
Conference	Southwestern Athletic Conference
Division	East Division
Headcoach	James Colzie III
Location	Tallahassee, Florida
Colors	Orange and green

Florida A&M Rattlers football. The program represents Florida A&M University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision and competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Established in 1907, the team has a storied tradition of success, particularly under legendary coach Jake Gaither, and is recognized for its numerous black college football national championship titles. The Rattlers are known for their high-powered offense and the renowned Marching 100 band, which performs at home games in Tallahassee, Florida.

History

The football program began competition in 1907, playing its early schedules against local athletic clubs and other historically black colleges and universities. The modern era of dominance was defined by the tenure of Jake Gaither, who served as head coach from 1945 to 1969, compiling an extraordinary record and winning multiple black college football national championship titles. The Rattlers have competed in several athletic conferences, including the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and currently the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Key historical moments include victories in the Orange Blossom Classic and appearances in the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoffs, solidifying their status as a national power in HBCU athletics.

Championships and honors

Florida A&M has claimed numerous national championships, including fifteen recognized black college football national championship titles, with a significant number secured during the Jake Gaither era. The program has also won multiple conference championships across the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Rattlers have made several appearances in the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship tournament and have produced a multitude of All-American selections. Team and individual honors are further highlighted by players receiving prestigious awards such as the Walter Payton Award and the Deacon Jones Trophy.

Notable players

The program has produced a remarkable number of athletes who achieved success in professional football and beyond. Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees include Bob Hayes, known as the "World's Fastest Human," and offensive lineman Larry Little. Other notable National Football League alumni are Kendall Smith, Johnny Culbreath, and Curtis Pulley. Standout quarterback Quinn Gray had a lengthy professional career, while defensive stalwarts like Jovan Haye and Markus White also reached the NFL. The tradition of excellence is further represented by College Football Hall of Fame inductees and numerous participants in the East-West Shrine Game.

Rivalries

The Rattlers maintain several intense and historic rivalries, most notably with Bethune-Cookman University in the Florida Classic, an annual game held in Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Another significant rivalry exists with Southern University, with contests often having implications for the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship. The matchup against Tennessee State University, often termed the John Merritt Classic, is also a notable non-conference feud. These games, steeped in tradition and often featuring performances by the Marching 100, are central to the HBCU football calendar and draw national television coverage.

Home stadium

The Rattlers play their home games at Bragg Memorial Stadium, located on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. The facility, named for former university president J.R.E. Lee, has undergone several renovations and expansions since its opening. It is known for its vibrant game-day atmosphere, significantly enhanced by the performances of the Marching 100. The stadium has hosted numerous significant events, including NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship playoff games and serves as a primary venue for Tallahassee community events.

Head coaches

The program has been led by a series of influential coaches who have shaped its legacy. The most celebrated is Jake Gaither, whose tenure from 1945 to 1969 resulted in an unparalleled record of success and multiple national titles. Other notable coaches include Billy Joe, who led the team to a black college football national championship in 1998, and Rudy Hubbard, who coached the undefeated 1978 national championship team. More recent leaders include Willie Simmons, who guided the program's transition to the Southwestern Athletic Conference and won a conference title, and current head coach James Colzie III.

Category:Florida A&M University Category:College football teams in Florida