College Sports Established
1878
Location
Tallahassee, Florida
College Name
Florida A&M University
Collegiate History
1979 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2021 - Present / Southwestern Athletic Conference
1979 - 1984, 1986 - 2021 / Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Nickname
Rattlers - The Florida A&M Rattlers are one of the most recognizable teams in college sports. Their iconic orange and green colors have become a symbol of excellence for many fans across the country. But where did this nickname come from? Let's look at its origins and how it has become popular today!
The Florida A&M Rattlers first adopted their name in 1932, when they were still known as the State Normal College for Colored Students. The school was looking to choose an animal mascot that embodied strength, courage, and agility - qualities that would represent their athletes on the field. After much discussion among students and faculty members alike, they decided upon "Rattler" due to its reputation as one of nature’s most formidable predators with lightning-fast reflexes. This moniker quickly became synonymous with FAMU athletics over time until eventually being officially recognized by NCAA officials in 1948. It was added to official team documents like media guides or game programs for football games against other schools throughout Florida's college system.
Today, FAMU is widely known around campus simply as “the Rattlers” – something that current players, alumni, and supporters have embraced. From cheering them on during football season all year round to attending homecoming festivities each fall semester - there is no denying why this particular nickname has stood firm since 1932!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1892
- 1962
- 1999
- 2018
-
Rattlers Team Foundation
The Florida A&M Rattlers have a long and storied history in the NCAA. The team was founded in 1892 as the State Normal College for Colored Students, making it one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in America. -
Winnings of Rattlers Football Team
The Florida A&M Rattlers have won 29 Conference Championships and 13 different college football national titles. They have won the black college football national championship 11 times. An Associated Press College Division National Championship in 1962. The Rattlers also won the inaugural NCAA Division I-AA National Championship in 1978. -
NCAA Division I Tournament First Appearance
The Rattlers have appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament three times. Their combined record is 1–3. there first appearance was in 1999, 2004 and 2007 consecutively. -
Alonzo Johnson NFL Star from Rattlers
A list of former players who went on to have successful careers at higher levels such as NFL stars like Alonzo Johnson or current coaches such as Willie Simmons who now heads up Prairie View A&M’s program after spending three years leading his alma mater from 2018–2020.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Rattlers
Regarding football specifically, no program has had more success than the Rattlers'. They’ve won nine conference titles since their inaugural season in 1923 and have made eight appearances at bowl games throughout their tenure as a Division I-AA (now FCS) member. Of those eight bowls appearances, five resulted in victories for FAMU – including two wins against fellow HBCU schools Southern University (1948 Orange Blossom Classic) and Grambling State University (1972 Pioneer Bowl).
In addition to football excellence on campus at Bragg Stadium or Al Lawson Multipurpose Center for basketball games, FAMU also boasts some notable alumni who went on to become professional athletes, such as former NFL running back Earl Holmes, who played 12 seasons with three different teams from 1996-2008; Super Bowl champion wide receiver Anquan Boldin who was drafted by Arizona Cardinals 2003 draft class; MLB pitcher Bruce Chen whose career spanned 15 years until his retirement after 2014 season; NBA guard Sam Cassell spent 17 years playing professionally before retiring after 2008–09 season; Cleveland Rockers selected WNBA player LaToya Thomas during 2002 Draft Class; plus many others!
For any diehard fan looking for something special this year when it comes time to cheer on our beloved Rattlers', there is plenty of reason why you should get excited about what lies ahead! From historic rivalries like “The Florida Classic” between them & Bethune Cookman Wildcats every November 2nd weekend -to potential postseason runs that could put us right into the national spotlight once again – make sure you don't miss out cheering alongside your friends & family while we show everyone just how strong our spirit is here at Florida A&M University!
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