This past fall semester, Florida State football had a season that’ll go down in history as one of the best. With an undefeated record, a Heisman-winning quarterback, and a National Championship title, there’s a lot to talk about! But among all these great accomplishments, we would be crazy to leave out a person who has been there for the team all season. He’s brought his all to every game, given football fans a reason to smile, and was a huge contribution to this unforgettable season. This person is the one and only Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat, but you might know him as Red Lightning!
Frankie has loved the ‘Noles since day one, and has always had his eye on attending Florida State. He’s from Key West, Florida, and is currently a junior here at FSU studying Criminology. He joined FSU’s Equipment Staff in the summer of 2013 and has been rising to fame ever since then. From memes on Facebook to a highlight tape on YouTube, and even an appearance on ESPN with Colin Cowherd, football fans around the nation have grown to love Red Lightning. Her Campus was lucky enough to talk to him and get the inside scoop on one of FSU’s shining stars.
Her Campus (HC): Can you elaborate a little bit about what exactly you do as Equipment Staff? Do you work just for football or for the athletic department in general?
Red Lightning (RL): I just work for the football team. I’m equipment manager as well as one of the quarterback managers. Tyler O’Brien and myself are always making sure all the quarterbacks have what they need, and we also work with the quarterbacks during practice. Then I’m a ball boy on game day.
HC: What is the story of “Red Lightning?” How has your life changed with all of the National Championship craze?
RL: The story is that I’m doing my job and someone took notice. I’m glad they took notice because it shines a light on our equipment staff and shows people how hard we really work.
HC: Any crazy fan stories?
RL: The fans are always crazy and always wanting pictures and autographs. It’s all in good fun, though.
HC: What is your favorite memory working with FSU’s athletics?
RL: The whole season has been my favorite memory. Just being around all these players and seeing all the work they put in for the program, it’s all memorable. What’s even more memorable is winning the National Championship.
When Frankie is not serving the football team as FSU’s favorite ball boy, he likes to relax at home and play with his dog. His favorite food is mac & cheese, and his favorite movie is Friday Night Lights. Having spent so much time on the field during practices and games, it’s no surprise that he calls the FSU Marching Chiefs his favorite band. Frankie has done far more than manage equipment for the team; he’s brought the ‘Noles joy and unity like no other.