Orchard Park, New York, awaits Ashton Grable.
Soon after April’s NFL Draft concluded, the former Florida A&M standout offensive lineman’s agent called him with an opportunity of a lifetime.
Florida A&M Rattlers offensive lineman Ashton Grable (71) pregame of playing the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023
The Buffalo Bills had invited Grable to their rookie minicamp. Grable was celebrating with his family at an Airbnb in Sparta, Georgia, for his draft party.
“It felt good,” Grable reflected to the Tallahassee Democrat on when he was NFL-bound.
“My family and I just waited three days patiently. And when the time came, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I was just like ‘Wow.’ And I went and told my family, and everybody went crazy. I knew the position I was in; I wasn’t going to get drafted. I just had to wait and get my blessing.”
Grable, a Gordon, Georgia native, left for New York on Thursday, May 7. The two-day camp, featuring 20-plus players, runs from Friday, May 8, to Saturday, May 9.
“It’s a long time coming, and we finally did it with God and a lot of hard work,” said the former Rattler star. “I’m definitely excited that they thought I was good enough to be a part of the organization because a lot of guys don’t get opportunities. I’m very excited to get up there and go to work and learn from pro coaches and pro players.”
Grable was an All-American talent at FAMU and also collected Southwestern Athletic Conference first-team and NCAA All-HBCU honors.
Those accolades afforded him opportunities to perform and meet NFL staffers at February’s HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans and the NFL HBCU Showcase at the Washington Commanders’ practice facility in Virginia. Grable also participated in FAMU’s Pro Day, famously notching 29 bench press reps.
“I was able to get in front of a lot of scouts,” Grable discussed the pre-draft events. “I got interviewed a lot, so I had to learn how to talk, answer certain questions, and carry myself as a pro. I got a lot of insight on what being a pro means.”
FAMU football’s Ashton Grable can join brother’s team, Buffalo Bills
Grable has a unique opportunity ahead of him.
His Buffalo tryout will offer a chance to play alongside his older brother, Tylan.
Tylan Grable was a sixth-round pick in 2024 after playing at Jacksonville State and the University of Central Florida. He played in five games and started in two during the 2025 season.
Ashton Grable says his big brother has been instrumental in his pursuit of making an NFL roster.
What a way to keep it in the family.
“He’s been here every step of the way. Anything I’ve experienced, he’s experienced before me,” Ashton Grable said of Tylan. “I can’t put into words how much he’s helped me. I wouldn’t be here without him.”
Bills tackle Tylan Grable high-fives fans as he leaves the field following the Bills win over the Jets in their last regular season game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
It’s time for the brotherly lessons to go into action.
The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder hopes to showcase his agility and motor to impress Bills coaches and roster decision makers. That could lead to Grable making the 90-man offseason roster and a pathway to being on the 53-man roster or practice squad once the regular season starts in February.
“I’m just going to fly around to the best of my ability,” Grable said. “I’m a very good athlete, I’m strong, and I have a good frame, so I can put on weight if need be or stay where I’m at and still move and be strong. I’m just going to go up there and give it my all.”
FAMU football alters Ashton Grable’s career for the better
Florida A&M Rattlers offensive lineman Ashton Grable (71) blocks a defender at a training camp football practice on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
Grable transferred to FAMU from Jacksonville State in 2023 and became an immediate starter. His first year was when the Rattlers won the program’s first Southwestern Athletic Conference title and Celebration Bowl en route to being named the outright Black College Football National Champions.
So, Grable leaves FAMU as a champion, a highly rewarded player, and most importantly, a Rattler graduate with his Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
“I was just blessed to have a clean slate at a new school,” Grable said. “I definitely came in with goals, but I had no idea that it would turn into all this. I just wanted to come in and play right away, and it blossomed into so much.”
Grable says his accomplishments are heavily due to former FAMU head coaches Willie Simmons and James Colzie III, his position coaches, staff, and teammates.
Florida A&M Rattlers head coach James Colzie III (middle), offensive lineman Ashton Grable (left), and defensive end Davion Westmoreland represented the program at the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Media Day, held at the Sheraton Birmingham in Alabama, Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Now, he looks to expand the Rattlers-to-NFL pipeline alongside running back and former teammate Terrell Jennings (New England Patriots), wide receiver and return man Xavier Smith (Los Angeles Rams), defensive end Isaiah Land (Dallas Cowboys), and safety Markquese Bell (Dallas Cowboys).
All of them made careers out of being undrafted free agents.
“I fell into a great situation, where I came in with the right mindset, but also had great people around me that cared about me,” Grable said.
“That school means a lot to me. I had my most fun playing football there and my most success. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime. I will always bleed Orange and Green. I’m just thankful that FAMU came into my life when it did. I’m just glad I was able to come leave my mark.”
Florida A&M football 2026 schedule
Saturday, Aug. 29: vs. Albany State
Sunday, Sept. 6: vs. South Carolina State, Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock Stadium
Thursday, Sept. 10: at Miami
Saturday, Sept. 19: vs. Tennessee State
Saturday, Sept. 26: vs. Alabama A&M (SWAC)
Saturday, Oct. 10: at Alabama State (SWAC)
Saturday, Oct. 17: at Jackson State (SWAC)
Saturday, Oct. 24: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC/Homecoming)
Saturday, Oct. 31: vs. Southern (SWAC)
Saturday, Nov. 7: at Alcorn State (SWAC)
Saturday, Nov. 14: vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC)
Saturday, Nov. 21: vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic)
Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Ashton Grable: Florida A&M football OL may earn spot at Bills minicamp