TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University's football program will open its practice field to faculty and staff Thursday morning as part of a new initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the university community and its student-athletes.

The "Be ALL IN" FAMU Football Practice Experience, hosted by Head Coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. and the FAMU Department of Athletics, will run from 6 to 9 a.m. Thursday, August 20, at the FAMU Football Practice Field.

The event is designed to give faculty and staff an up-close look at the daily demands placed on Rattler football players, many of whom begin their mornings as early as 4 to 4:30 a.m. to balance training, practice, academics and leadership responsibilities.

"As we prepare for the start of the Fall 2026 semester, we want our faculty and staff to experience firsthand what a day in the life of a FAMU football student-athlete entails," Gray said.

Attendees will be able to observe practice, hear from coaching and academic support staff, and learn more about the time management and discipline required of student-athletes balancing sport and school. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

The event reflects a broader effort to show student-athletes that the university community supports them both on the field and in the classroom.

"We expect our student-athletes to be ALL IN in the classroom, and we want them to know that our faculty and staff are ALL IN for their academic, personal, and athletic success," added Gray.

Faculty and staff interested in attending are encouraged to arrive at the practice field before the 6 a.m. start time.