FAMU Film Crew Shines at Sports Emmys with Ken Riley Biopic
The legacy of Florida A&M star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Riley continues to make an impact on the new generation. Recently, the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communications graduate Jonathan David’s film ‘Field Trip’ won the Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant at the 45th annual Sports Emmys in New York City on May 21.
Riley, known as ‘The Ratter,’ was a standout quarterback for the Rattlers in the 1960s before transitioning to cornerback in the NFL. After a successful 15-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals, he was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
‘Field Trip’ tells the story of Riley’s life through the lens of the football field named in his honor at FAMU. The film, which features Riley’s family, was a collaborative effort by Jonathan David and his production crew, showcasing the impact Riley had on FAMU and the NFL.
The success of ‘Field Trip’ at the Sports Emmys highlights the talent and dedication of the FAMU film crew, led by Jonathan David. As a recent graduate, David is now looking towards a future in commercial production, aiming to work with top brands in the industry.
The recognition at the Sports Emmys is a testament to the storytelling prowess of FAMU students and their commitment to honoring the legacy of legends like Ken Riley.