Troy University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2023
It’s a myth that the only impact one can make on a game or sport is on the field or court they play on. Mike Amos is the physical embodiment of this myth, creating a legacy that elevated Troy to historic and championship levels off the field despite finding himself on the field for a short time.
Amos’ time on the football field was short as a member of the 1965 team, where he played on the offensive and defensive line. A direct product of Troy, Ala., Amos understood that his true impact on the program would come through his words and actions as a supporter.
Fifty-plus years later, Amos has become a pivotal piece within the university and the athletics department since graduating in 1970. He currently holds a position within the university as the Chapter Coordinator for Alumni Affairs after holding the position as president and longtime member of the Troy University National Alumni Board.
In 1984, Amos made the next step in his legacy at Troy, becoming a founding father for the Troy Athletic Action Club, which started Football Night. The event continues to the present day as a highly successful drawdown fundraiser that raises thousands of dollars for Troy football.
“I first met Mike when I became an assistant coach for the football team, and I instantly knew that this guy had a deep support for the program,” former Troy Athletics Director and Troy Sports Hall of Fame member Johnny Williams said. “He was a huge piece of our fundraising and boosters, and he held so much passion for the program. That was the first thing I noticed about him. He demanded the room with his love for Troy. He has more passion than anyone that I’ve met within this program. He was at every event. Every game. Every practice. He even would make trips with us when we were on the road for games. And at the end of the day, he worked to get us the fundraising we needed to succeed.”
Dubbed “Troy’s Super Fan” by the Dothan Eagle, Amos continues to make trips with the athletic teams, hosting an event at “The Grove” this past football season when the Trojans ventured to Ole Miss to kick off the Sun Belt Championship season. At the event, Amos helped sell 300 tickets for Troy’s tent and over 1,000 for the ballgame.
“I remember when I came to Troy, he was the one I sat down with to gather an understanding of the alumni and supporters of the program,” Williams said. “Wherever we went, someone knew and loved Mike. I would go around recruiting and hear stories about how everywhere he would go; he brought Troy apparel to hand out. Everyone knew he was a true Troy fan. Because of him, we were able to spread our brand to places we never could’ve reached without him.”
After graduation, Amos used his passion for local television and print media to help promote Troy Athletics and its student-athletes and coaches. He even went as far as helping local high school athletes get their name out to the world through his local morning television show Today in LA, which ran for over 25 years – created in 1998 after he retired from the ADECA.
All of these accomplishments and positions were rewarded by Troy University in 2008 when Amos received Troy’s highest honor, the Trojan Award, and was named Alumni of the Year.
“He just has the biggest heart. He came to the football team before one season and said that for every football game we won, he would buy the team 10 pizzas, and he did it,” Williams said. “He delivered every time because he just loved the players and coaches. Anything it took to help the program and provide, he did. And he deserves a special spot in the Troy Hall of Fame for his contributions.”
