Florida A&M has named Tracy Martin, Trayvon Martin's father, honorary captain after giving a stirring speech to the Rattlers' football team on Sunday.
Martin will do the pregame ceremonial coin toss when FAMU plays its season-opener against Mississippi Valley State on September 1st, during the MEAC-SWAC Challenge at the Citrus Bowl, a game which will air on ESPN.
"[We] talked and I told him I'd love him to talk to the team. He came out and he was very, very encouraging," said Florida A&M head coach Earl Holmes. "[He] got a standing ovation from our guys. He talked about just persevering and told the guys to keep on pushing through the hard times. The message he shared with the kids was very positive and they were very responsive."
Martin's son, Trayvon, 17, was shot to death on February 26th, 2012 while returning to a gated a community in Sanford, FL. The shooter - George Zimmerman - was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges in connection with Trayvon Martin's death.
Martin's parents have since started the Trayvon Martin Foundation. The foundation was created to raise awareness on how violent crimes affect the families of the victims while providing support for those families.
"I think what he's doing with the foundation is big and it speaks volumes and I want the football team and FAMU Nation to be part of that," said Holmes. "He had some inspiring words and the guys played off of that. And we're going to keep pushing for him and his foundation. He'll be an honorary captain for us this year and he's welcome any time."
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