Willie Simmons Reflects On Florida A&M 'FAMULY' And Culture

Coach Willie Simmons talks about the FAMU culture and what makes the Rattlers football team unique.

Before Saturday's Homecoming game against Prairie View A&M, Coach Willie Simmons spoke with NCAA writer Maya Ellison about the Florida A&M culture. "Well, I think the one word that sums up what FAMU embodies is "FAMULY," Simmons told Ellison.

"I've never been anywhere that has a love and appreciation for their university the way that Rattlers do FAMU." Rebuilding the football program was Simmon's primary goal upon accepting the position. "We took it over in 2018. They had come off six straight losing seasons." Since arriving in Tallahassee, Coach Simmons has built a winning program with a 39-13 record and 60-24 overall as a head coach.

Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Willie Simmons looks on during pregame of the Denny's Orange Blossom Classic against Jackson State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, Sept 4, 2023

He credits that to the FAMULY and the message to the student-athletes on his team. "When we made them understand what FAMU can do for you, how this alumni base embraces you, how opportunities will be endless for you when you leave this place. It gave them a greater appreciation for it, and made them want go harder for the school."

He emphasized with Ellison how the FAMU's family extends beyond just the football team. From alums, professors, administrators, and support workers, the FAMU family is felt everywhere on campus. The love and appreciation for the university from the Rattlers is unparalleled, making FAMU a special place.

At Bragg Memorial Stadium, the students and fans produce "an amazing atmosphere that we have and speaks to the love and passion and the pageantry that is Florida A&M football," Simmons passionately noted.

𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐘 🐍@themayaellison interviewed @FAMU_FB's Head Coach, @HCWillieSimmons, about Florida A&M's football culture and how the Rattlers embody this culture.#FCS pic.twitter.com/vsoBYeuuOm

— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) October 26, 2023

In 2023, SWAC Player of the Year hopeful quarterback Jeremy Moussa is conducting his offensive strategy on the gridiron. The Rattlers are ranked No. 14 in the current AFCA poll with hopes of winning the SWAC East and possibly hosting the SWAC Football Championship title game in Tallahassee.

Simmons remarked that the "infused talent and guys playing hard for each other has elevated us to one of the top programs in the country."

The conference's top teams, Prairie View A&M (3-4, 3-1 SWAC West) and Florida A&M (6-1, 5-0 SWAC West), will have the "Battle at the Bragg" going down on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 3 PM ET. ESPNU will broadcast the match, which could become a preview of the 2023 SWAC Football Championship title game. The matchup may not count against their respective SWAC records, but it's definitely for the league's "BRAGGing" rights!