FAMU's Jalen Spady remained dedicated in pursuit to achieve professional football dream

There's a Rattler in the pros.

Former Florida A&M football center Jalen Spady opened his professional playing career with the XFL's Orlando Guardians on Saturday.

Spady, 23, played two years with the Rattlers after transferring from Glendale Community College in Arizona and graduated from FAMU with a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies.

He was drafted by the Guardians in last November's XFL Draft and made the final cut to be a member of the in-season roster.

"My goal was to ultimately make the team, so getting up everyday and working out kind of turned into my personality," Spady said. "Give glory to God, work hard, and what's supposed to happen is what will happen."

The last time Spady stepped on a competitive football field was during FAMU's 2021 season.

The Rattlers went 9-3 on the way to earning an at-large Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) postseason bid ― the program's first playoff appearance in 20 years.

Following the historic season, he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, but wasn't selected last April ― which forced him to pivot in order to achieve his goal.

"I heard about (the XFL) back in 2020, but then I didn't hear too much about because it disbanded," Spady said. "Then it came back up this past summer, so I began working out and tried to stay ready in case I got a phone call from anybody."

Jalen's father, James Spady has watched him grow from a newborn into a young professional.

James actually coached Jalen at FAMU as he's currently the associate head coach and tight ends coach on Willie Simmons' staff.

"We were involved in something over the last few years that I couldn't have prayed for anything better," James said. "As a football coach, one of the things that you struggle with is living your football life and it takes you away from your family. But I was able to experience my football life with (Jalen's) football life over the last two or three years and it was a blessing beyond blessings.

"Then, for me to be on this side, watching him develop as a professional football player ― I felt like I made the team. It felt like we won."

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FAMU's Jalen Spady didn't want football to end

It was a 10-month process to get to the XFL after going undrafted in the NFL.

So, in wake of uncertainty, Jalen had to mull over what should be the next step in life ― finding a traditional career path or continuing his pursuit of playing professional football.

"My parents kept me focus and (FAMU Director of Sports Performance) Coach (Cole) Forney was a huge help in this process," Jalen said. "I was in Tallahassee trying to figure out my next move and I had a bunch of conversations and with my parents and Coach Forney, thinking (football) was done and maybe I should just focus on a career.

"The main thing (parents and Forney) told me was that I had time for (working), and I only get so many years to play the game I love. I didn't want football to end because I gave up and didn't take that last step ― especially when you want to get to the NFL after this."

He chose to chase his football dream and was invited to the XFL Showcase which ultimately led to being drafted by the Guardians.

"I went back to square one and taught myself how to work," Jalen said. "My work ethic is the biggest thing that has changed about me because you got to work like people that you're trying to be on the same level as ― that shifted my focus.

"Just getting to hear your name on draft night ― whether it's NFL, XFL, or USFL is pretty special."

James never worried about his son's work ethic. He knew Jalen's hunger and love for performing on the gridiron.

In fact, James played a little bit of professional ball himself which gave him a sense of familiarity while Jalen made progress to continue playing football.

After an All-WAC career at UTEP, had a brief Arena Football League career as he played both center and defensive tackle. His stops included the Denver Dynamite (1991) and the Sacramento Attack (1992).

"Football was something that was important to (Jalen) before he could barely walk or talk," James said. "Some of my earliest memories of him was in football uniforms. Me and his mom (Barbara) are Steeler fans, so we bought him a helmet and uniform when he was a baby.

"If I was able to give him anything, advice-wise, it was from a life perspective more than anything. He could pick my brain football-wise and we were able to accomplish that. I thank God that I was able to contribute in any way."

Jalen explains his James as his 'backbone' for his persisting mentorship through life and the game of football.

"I can't express enough how much of a resource and a backbone he's been for me to get to this point," Jalen said. "All the game and wisdom that he's given me in the sport, on top of being my father was instrumental to me getting here.

"It would be wrong for me to not listen to the things that he had to say because he's got 30-plus years in football."

The Spady's remain in close proximity as Jalen begins professional career in the same place college ended ― Florida

As he remains in state, Jalen won't be far from his family that is located in Tallahassee.

He'll also be playing his home games in familiar territory ― Orlando's Camping World Stadium ― the same game site of FAMU and Bethune-Cookman's 70-year Florida Classic rivalry.

"It feels great because (my family) didn't get to see my first years of college because I played my first two years in Arizona," Jalen said. "They were a big reason that I ended up at FAMU, so it just feels special to be able to stay in state and not be too far away, so that they can still make those drives to come watch me play."

Jalen has left the nest, but James is happy to have him close by instead of having to constantly reserve flights to see him play.

The family is trying to make plans to see Jalen play in his first professional game in Houston on Saturday night. Next week, the Guardians will play their home opener in Orlando versus the San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday, Feb. 26.

"I'm trying to move mountains to make a trip to Houston happen," James said. "When they turn around next week for their home opener in Orlando, I can jump in the car and head there and back with few constraints."

After 448 days, Jalen was prepared o play football again. And he's thankful for being associated with the game that he's devoted his life to.

"It feels good to be playing football again," Jalen said. "I don't know if how special this moment is has hit me yet because of the grind ― especially at this stage on national primetime television.

"It doesn't get any better than that. I'm ecstatic for it. I can't even put it into words."

Former FSU players in the XFL

A number of former FSU players are on rosters in the league:

Linebacker Reggie Northrup: D.C. Defenders.

Quarterback Deondre Francis, linebackers DeCalon Brooks and Terrance Smith: Orlando Guardians.

Terrell Buckley is the head coach in Orlando.

Tony Carter is defensive coordinator in Orlando.

Former FSU assistant Mark Snyder is on coaching roster in Orlando.

Running back Jacques Patrick and offensive lineman Derrick Kelly are on the San Antonio Brahmas roster.

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Football: James Spady's drive and commitment lands him in the pros