Last month, Florida A&M defensive lineman Tyrese Gibson-Battles completed a deed undone by his family in a century.
Graduate from College.
In May, Gibson-Battles awarded him his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from FAMU, focusing on quantitative analysis. He is the first to earn a degree within 100 years of his family’s history.
Gibson-Battles earned Summa Cum Laude honors for finishing college with a 3.87 overall GPA and a perfect 4.0 semester GPA. He was the highest GPA on the Rattlers football team.
Gibson-Battles’ college graduation symbolizes her devotion to education and the goals she noted during her youth.
“All praise is for the highest,” Gibson-Battles said in a one-on-one interview with the Tallahassee Democrat at FAMU’s Bragg Memorial Stadium. “It’s really special and for me it was very important to be the first to do it. I knew I had it in me. It was one of my goals and I knew I wanted to be successful since I was very young.
“When I was a child, I didn’t have anyone to look up to in terms of education. Now, younger generations may realize that it is not a dream that is too far out of reach. I created the story. But I wasn’t trying to make history. I was trying to be me and be cool.
“This is not a regular title. It means so much more.”
This fall, Gibson-Battles will begin pursuing his Master of Business Administration at FAMU’s School of Business and Industry while also playing his final season of college football for the defending national champion Black College Rattlers.
Once he receives his MBA and it’s time to trade in his shoulder pads and soccer cleats for a suit, tie, and dress shoes, math whiz Gibson-Battles sees himself delving deeper into entrepreneurship and accounting.
“Business, math and public speaking all clicked,” Gibson-Battles said. “Ultimately, I want to branch out and venture into many areas, such as insurance, accounting, financial advice or working for corporations. I want to be close to business. There are so many avenues. But I have to be an entrepreneur and a business owner. “It is important for me and my family.”
As a defensive lineman, Gibson-Battles hates opposing quarterbacks. He even says it in his X/Twitter bio.
However, the FAMU graduate wants people to know that he is more than just an imposing football player looking to make the next strong tackle. FAMU football academics are improving after improving by 49 points for a 950 academic progress rate for 2022-2023 with the help of FAMU football’s associate athletic director for student-athlete success and competitive excellence, Carrie Hickey Tollison.
“Football players are not just robots,” Gibson-Battles said. “It’s very important to represent in the classroom and on the field to show people that it’s not easy, but it’s possible to do both.”
From Cleveland to Tallahassee: Tyrese Gibson-Battles arrives at FAMU for a fresh start
After stints at NCAA Division II Urbana University and Garden City Community College, Gibson-Battles transferred to play Division I football at FAMU ahead of the 2023 season.
It’s far from his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, nearly 15 hours and 1,000 miles away, to be specific.
While his migration south took an inevitable period of adjustment, it was also a moment of coming full circle for Gibson-Battles, as he has family in the area and plays for an athletic program owned by Cleveland Cavaliers legend LeBron James. , at FAMU.
Gibson-Battles saw his arrival at FAMU as a step toward progress. He earned his education at the top public HBCU while helping the Rattlers win the National Black College Football Championship.
“I was meant to be here. I knew I had to sacrifice and get out of my comfort zone on this journey to be great and make something of myself,” Gibson-Battles said.
“Being away from home is a challenge and one of the most difficult things there is. Being away from your family with few resources and help while trying to excel in the classroom and on the field during one of society’s most challenging times sounds impossible. What helps me get ahead is God, the fear of being average, and the drive to have the ability to provide for my family.
“Home will be there. I have to go look for greatness.”
Gibson-Battles’ first school, Urbana, closed in 2020 while he was a student-athlete. He was just two hours from his home in Cleveland. The closure of Urbana brought Gibson-Battles to Garden City Community College in Kansas, 17 hours from Cleveland.
His experience with the smaller programs at Urbana and GCCC boosted Gibson-Battles’ work ethic, which ultimately led Gibson-Battles to The Highest of Seven Hills.
“It is discipline and daily sacrifice. It’s not all rainbows and sunshine,” Gibson-Battles said, reflecting on his time before FAMU. “You are only as great as your achievements. “All the hardships have only made me the person I’m supposed to be because adversity strengthens character.”
FAMU Football’s Tyrese Gibson-Battles hopes his trip is a motivator for everyone
Gibson-Battles has enjoyed the fruits of his labor.
Starting from humble beginnings in Cleveland, he came to Tallahassee to pursue higher education while becoming a national champion.
However, Gibson-Battles respects and appreciates the journey.
“Life is short, man. Enjoy its beauty and do the right thing,” Gibson-Battles said. “I came from absolutely nothing and I just had the will. You have to want it worse than your next breath.”
As he moves into his next educational phase and final season with the Rattlers, Gibson-Battles hopes to be a guiding light for the next generation.
The frame is fixed.
And its purpose shines brightly in all its milestones throughout its 23 years of life.
“In a world full of negativity, I’m just trying to do something positive and be great while doing it,” Gibson-Battles said. “I do this for my family and my mother, who sacrificed her entire life to raise us. I do this for everyone who has all the odd ones against them. I hope other people follow in my footsteps.
“Shout out to mom Dukes and Cleveland.”
Florida A&M Rattlers 2024 Football Schedule
- August 24 vs. Norfolk State in MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta* at 7:30 p.m., KeynoteUSA
- August 31 vs. South Carolina State, 6 p.m., KeynoteUSA+
- September 7 in Miami, 6 p.m., ACC Network
- September 21 in Troy, 7 pm ET, KeynoteUSA+
- September 28 vs. Alabama A&M, 6 p.m., KeynoteUSA+
- October 5 at Alabama State, 3 pm ET, KeynoteUSA+
- October 19 at Jackson State, 3:30 p.m. ET, KeynoteUSA Network
- Oct. 26 vs. Southern, 7 p.m., KeynoteUSA Network
- Nov. 2 vs. Texas Southern (HOMECOMING), 4 p.m., KeynoteUSA+
- Nov. 9 at Prairie View A&M, 3 p.m. ET, KeynoteUSA+
- Nov. 16 vs. Mississippi Valley State, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 23 vs. Bethune-Cookman, Orlando*, 3:30 p.m., KeynoteUSA Network
- November 30: FCS playoffs begin
- December 7: SWAC Championship, LOCATION/TEAMS TBA, KeynoteUSA2
- December 14: Celebration Bowl, Atlanta*, TEAMS to be confirmed, 12 p.m., KeynoteUSA
BOLD = SWAC
* = Neutral Site
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter. @3peatgee.
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