Born April 11, 1903 in Dayton, Tennessee, Alonzo S. "Jake" Gaither became head football coach of the FAMC Rattlers in 1945 and served until his retirement in 1969. The period of his historic reign is affectionately called the "Gaither Era." During his 25-year tenure, the highly revered Gaither compiled a phenomenal record of 203 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties - for a winning percentage of .844, the highest for any college coach of his time, Black or white, with 200 victories. Under his leadership, the Rattlers won 6 Negro Collegiate Football championships.

 

Forty-two of “Jake’s Boys” went on to play in the National Football League including: “Bullet” Bob Hayes, a star wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who also earned two gold medals for track during the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo; Willie Galimore, an acclaimed running back with the Chicago Bears; Ken Riley, a defensive back with the Cincinnati Bengals; and Robert Paremore, a halfback with the St. Louis Cardinals. Recognizing the dynamic impact of his stellar coaching career, Gaither was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 1975, which he called the "greatest moment of his life." Gaither's career was replete with distinguished honors. 

 

After an illustrious career, Gaither retired on August 31, 1973. He died February 18, 1994, at the age of 90. In Tallahassee, a FAMU gymnasium, community playground, public golf course, recreation center, street, and neighborhood are named in his honor. His private home, located at 212 Young Street, which he shared for more than 40 years with his loving wife Sadie, has been enshrined as a memorial to this devoted citizen who positively impacted FAMU, the people of Tallahassee, the State of Florida, the nation, and the world. A historic marker installed in the home’s hilltop yard heralds Gaither, who lived an epic life and left a enduring legacy, as an American hero.