Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat: One of the Most Recognizable Figures in College Football
- Jack Niles
- Dec 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat: One of the Most Recognizable Figures in College Football
Guest Sports Writer: Jack Niles
December 9, 2025
In this FSU soccer team photo from yesterday, in front row left, is Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat, a Key West Conch. He went from flipping Cuban sandwiches in his family business in Key West to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in college football. Fans know him as “Red Lightning.” He became the equipment coordinator for FSU’s national champion soccer and softball teams in 2021.
Yesterday, December 8, 2025, the Seminoles women’s soccer team locked down their fifth national title with a 1-0 win over Stanford in Kansas City. One strike was all it took at CPKC Stadium, and that goal will echo in Seminole history.
This wasn’t just another win. It’s the 20th national championship across Florida State Athletics and the soccer program’s third in the last five years. They have titles in 2014, 2018, 2021, 2023, and now 2025. Five trophies in six trips to the final. That’s a soccer program with dominance. Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat has been part of some of the most memorable moments in FSU sports.
Frankie’s story starts at Kim’s Kuban, his mom’s sandwich shop in Key West. He was up at dawn, cooking, sweeping, cleaning the grill, and serving egg sandwiches to the morning crowd. Frankie was a multi-sport athlete and graduated from Key West High School. He coined the phrase “Rex Weech Made” after his time as a Conch Baseball player. He is known for giving his best, no matter the job. That work ethic carried him far.
Back in 2013, Frankie became a viral sensation on the Seminole football sidelines during that season’s National Championship run. He wasn’t just a ball boy—he was a blur of energy. Sprinting down the field, keeping pace with athletes, and jumping in to protect teammates like Jameis Winston when things got rough. Fans loved it. Social media loved it. One clip pulled in over a million views.
Red Lightning turned fame into purpose. He advertised T-shirts that raised money for Jimbo Fisher’s Kidz 1st Fund. This organization helped fight Fanconi anemia, the rare blood disease affecting Fisher’s son. His hustle and heart made him more than a sideline figure—he became part of the Seminole identity.
Frankie even made it to the NFL, working with the Atlanta Falcons. And now, years later, he’s still tied to FSU athletics. His presence in that championship photo isn’t random—it’s proof that Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat is still fueling the Seminole fire.
Florida State wins National Titles. Frankie Grizzle-Malgrat wins hearts. Together, they’re part of the same story—one built on grit, pride, and a whole lot of Seminole spirit. This is one homeboy that didn’t leave his Conch Pride at home…..#GoConchs
Sources
“FSU Fastest Ball Boy.” YouTube, uploaded by [channel name not provided], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBbCgTPs8mk. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
“FSU’s Red Lightning Strikes Again.” ESPN, https://www.espn.co.uk/blog/acc/post/_/id/68111/fsus-red-lightning-strikes-again. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
“Red Lightning Strikes Twice.” YouTube, uploaded by [channel name not provided], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt9DevWH-bc. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
“Women’s Soccer National Champions: Florida State Soccer Wins Fifth National Championship.” Seminoles.com, 8 Dec. 2025, https://seminoles.com/news/2025/12/8/womens-soccer-national-champions-florida-state-soccer-wins-fifth-national-championship. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
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