The Florida A&M football team has named Trayvon Martin's father an honorary captain for the 2013 season after he spoke to the team and received a standing ovation Sunday.
FAMU coach Earl Holmes invited Tracy Martin to speak to his team and said Martin delivered a 'very positive' message about 'pushing through the hard times,' the Orlando Sentinel originally reported.
“He had some inspiring words and the guys played off of that,” Holmes said. “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.
Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in Sanford, Fla., by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watchman, in February 2012. Martin was walking home from a convenience store at the time when Zimmerman followed him and they got into an altercation.
Zimmerman was acquitted of second degree murder and manslaughter charges in June, touching off protests around the nation.
Tracy Martin has started a foundation in his son's name to provide support for the families of victims of violent crime (trayvonmartinfoundation.org).
“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," Holmes said.
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