TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - With college football just around the corner Florida A&M University hosted their annual Kickoff Luncheon and Fan Day Saturday afternoon.
Fans, boosters, and players, among others, packed the Lawson Center to show their support for the Rattler football team.
"You're talking about a school that went, a football team that wen't 3-7 last year, you would never know it," said fan Fred Douglas Lee Jr.
A losing team now getting a new head coach but according to one fan it is the culture FAMU brings that helps fans gather around the team.
"The new head coach is a big help. We are excited about our new head coach. We are excited about our entirely new coaching staff, but it is not just that," said Lee Jr. "There is just something about being a Rattler and something about the excitement generated here."
As the hype continues to build for the FAMU football team even after a losing season, Head Coach Willie Simmons say he is excited to see all the support.
"It means everything, it just shows the continued support of our fan base. It is second to none," said Simmons. "I don't think there is a college, especially at our level, who can boast this type of following."
Not only did fans come out to the luncheon, but the hit local stores to get some Rattler gear.
"I know that some of the places like the Walmart's, the Sam's, those places, the bookstore that carry the Florida A&M University Paraphernalia. Everyone is wanting to support the orange and green," said Selvin Cobb, President of the Board of Directors for Rattler Boosters.
But what should you expect from the team on the field? Coach Simmons says a team with heart.
"They should expect a team that will play with a lot of pride, that's going to bring that Rattler pride back to Bragg Memorial Stadium, the same pride that brought 13 Black College national championships, countless MEAC championships, the first and only HBCU 1-AA National Championship, that same fight that made Jake Gaither one of the most legendary coaches in the world of college football," said Simmons.
The Rattlers will take on Fort Valley State on Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
