Auburn Game Face

Written by: Katie Simmons

In the fast-paced world of Auburn athletics, one thing is constant: Michael Floyd. No matter what sport is in action at Neville Arena, section 8, seat 13 will always be filled.

Floyd began his journey at Auburn waking up early to get in line for basketball games as most other students do, but Floyd was different. His passion for the game never wavered no matter the opponent, time of day or sport being played. His love for Auburn caught the attention of the Auburn Athletics staff, earning him the job of vice president of the Auburn Jungle.

The Jungle is Auburn’s student section, known for high energy and creating a home atmosphere that challenges any opponent. Each home game, the Jungle is filled with hundreds of shakers and the iconic “Fear the Jungle” banner. As vice president of the Jungle, Floyd is in charge of cultivating this environment.

“My job is to make sure students enjoy the gameday atmosphere,” Floyd said. “I get to know our coaches and players and serve alongside 12 other students on the Jungle leadership staff.”

As the Auburn basketball program has grown, the Jungle has grown with it. Neville Arena provides a special kind of environment that has students waiting in line for hours just to get in the door. Students are eager to feel the atmosphere that helped lead to the longest home winning streak in the NCAA earlier this season.

“Neville Arena provides the best experience in college basketball. It can get extremely loud, and the building can literally shake,” Floyd said. “Providing a hostile environment is a huge part of any game in any sport. It is so much more than just showing up and cheering. It’s about putting in time and effort, and that’s what I’m trying to accomplish.”

Floyd plans and organizes everything from home game theme nights to passing out Chick-fil-A sandwiches to students waiting in line. His commitment to Auburn sports plays a big role in student engagement on gameday and the atmosphere during game time.

“The goal of the Jungle is to bring constant energy,” Floyd said. “I love the Auburn Family’s passion for their school. It is a remarkable display of unity and the Auburn spirit that is not afraid.”

Floyd grew up in Brewton, Alabama, with a population of just 5,000. Even in his small town, Floyd was involved in athletics even when he wasn’t the one playing in the game. Floyd used his passion for sports to pour into his community. Now, he’s using that same passion for the benefit of Auburn.

“I knew when I got to Auburn, I didn’t want my passion for sports to end,” he said. “I get this unique opportunity that most students don’t. I get the opportunity to lead at a high level and also enjoy the Auburn atmosphere.”

His passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. On every gameday, Floyd can be found engaging with students, high-fiving players and even talking with Coach Bruce Pearl, someone he describes as a mentor.

“Coach Pearl has been a great help to me,” Floyd said. “He makes sure that I’m attending all my classes and making good grades. He holds me accountable, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. He wants students to be involved because of the impact they have on the team and the game.”

With the support of the university behind him, there is no doubt the junior journalism major has a bright future ahead of him. No matter what Floyd decides to do after graduation, his time at Auburn will shape his future.

“The future of Auburn University and Auburn Athletics is bright,” Floyd said. “There is no greater time to be an Auburn Tiger than right now. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.”