All 3 of Mississippi’s FBS schools make an impact on Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans
The state of Mississippi left its mark on the biggest sporting event of the year.
The Philadelphia Eagles steamrolled through the reigning back-to-back champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, 40-22, thanks in no small part to the play of athletes who came through New Orleans’ nearest neighboring state.
Starkville native and former Ole Miss standout A.J. Brown caught three passes and was on the receiving end of an early 12-yard touchdown from Jalen Hurts late in the first half.
Veteran corner back and Mississippi State product Darius Slay played an integral role in Philadelphia’s shocking shutdown of two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes.
The game brought some of the state’s biggest NFL stars, including Brown and Slay, to the red-and-green packed Caesars Superdome just hours from the high school and college fields their stories originated on.
The rematch of 2023’s Super Bowl featured five active players who once starred in the Magnolia State.
Houston, MS, native and Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has been one of the league’s top linemen since 2016, but has only played in New Orleans once before and it came during the empty-stadium COVID season of 2020.
There were a few more fans were present for the former Mississippi State Bulldog’s return to the city and this time included a number of familiar faces.
“It’s such a wonderful opportunity,” Jones told media during game week. “A lot of friends and family come to games once a year. To have them here this week is going to be a special moment.”
For players like Jones and Brown, it’s a point of pride to be able to represent their home state on the sport’s grandest stage.
“Mississippi is where I’m from,” Brown said ahead of the game. “It’s a state that’s overlooked. You got to grind for what you want.”
Even Flora, a Madison County town of less than 2,000 people, saw itself under the brightest lights the game has to offer in Swayze Bozeman.
The rookie from Southern Miss made his fourth appearance of the year for the Chiefs, who called up Bozeman multiple times during the postseason as a special teams gunner.
“Ever since I could pick up a football, I wanted to play in the NFL,” Bozeman said during the week. “My whole thing when I was coming out of college is I just wanted a chance. I want someone to invite me to a camp. I want to work out for someone, whatever it is. I just want my foot in the door. ... The fact that I got a chance and stuck around the next thing you know we’re in the Super Bowl has just been beyond words.”
Bozeman recorded one tackle on punt coverage and finished the year with five tackles.
Yazoo County’s Kenneth Gainwell also saw the field, picking up 10 yards on six carries.
This story was originally published February 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM.
