Three men stand together during their induction into the Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (Provided By / Madisyn Fowler)
While the names and uniforms have changed over the years, under the bright lights of Bragg Memorial Stadium, one thing remains the same: the legacy left behind by generations of Rattlers.
Since 1906, when football reached varsity status on the hill, Florida A&M has built a reputation for success on and off the field.
Each year, the Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame recognizes and inducts former athletes and coaches whose accomplishments have helped shape that legacy. For Florida A&M cornerback Daylyn Diston, that legacy hits closer to home.
“My grandfather, he’s a Hall of Famer, Emitt Alexander. His legacy that he left is one I dream of following,” Diston said.
Emmit Alexander was inducted into the Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. A former defensive back and punt returner from 1969 to 1973, Alexander was recognized alongside his wife, Hattie, for their continued financial support and dedication to the university.
Beyond his grandfather’s athletic accomplishments, Diston carries out the lessons Alexander passed down to him.
“He always told me to keep my head down and work and anything can fall in place trusting the man above,” Diston said.
A lineage of success was not the only thing left behind by former athletes. While some leave their mark through mentorship, others have returned to support the university financially.
Hall of Famer and former Florida A&M National Alumni President, Colonel Greg Clark, dedicated his tenure to raising millions of dollars for the school’s athletic program.
“We raised millions of dollars for athletics and of course, our advocacy has helped Florida A&M today…even with the funding that comes from the state,” Clark recalled.
He used the money raised to revamp facilities and purchase updated uniforms for the football team.
“We remodeled the field house, we bought sleds, we bought uniforms for the football team,” Clark said. “We really poured into the university at that time.”
For current student-athletes, the unwavering support from alumni and weight of traditions serve as fuel on the field.
Florida A&M wide receiver Armand Burris has made a name for himself on the field, recently earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Week and gaining recognition after recording 216 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Florida A&M’s 28-27 victory over Alabama State University.
He explained why it is crucial for him to push through hardship and continue the legacy.
“When you don’t want to push or wake up, I think about the people who did it before me and who set that standard… It makes me better every single day,” Burris said.
No matter who is on the field, the standard remains unyielding and the legacy continues.