Sports

Gulfport’s Derick Hall nearly died at birth. Sunday he played in the Super Bowl

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  • Derick Hall overcame 1% survival odds as a 2001 preemie to reach the NFL
  • Hall launched the One Percent Foundation to aid premature babies and families
  • Memorial Hospital Gulfport and community groups publicly celebrated his Super Bowl

Gulfport native and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall has never forgotten the people who saved his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Memorial Hospital Gulfport, where he was hospitalized for almost five months after his premature birth.

And Memorial employees certainly haven’t forgotten him. They celebrated Hall’s trip to the Super Bowl on Sunday. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where Hall was born, has printed up flyers: “Good luck Derick Hall & the Seattle Seahawks. We’re cheering you on from the NICU at Memorial Hospital . . . “

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall and his mom, Stacy Gooden-Crandle pose for a photo outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital Gulfport. Hall and his mom visited for Valentine’s Day 2025. They have always gone out of their way to acknowledge Memorial NICU’s for saving his life when he was born four months early and without a heartbeat.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall and his mom, Stacy Gooden-Crandle pose for a photo outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital Gulfport. Hall and his mom visited for Valentine’s Day 2025. They have always gone out of their way to acknowledge Memorial NICU’s for saving his life when he was born four months early and without a heartbeat. Memorial Health System

Hall stands 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 254 pounds. When he was born four months early back in March 2001, Hall weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces. He was given a 1% chance of survival.

“Against all odds, he overcame immense challenges, including a 99% probability of not walking or talking,” the website for his foundation says. “Today, Derick is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and the unwavering support of a caring community.”

Memorial tells Hall’s full story here.

Gulfport High’s Derick Hall runs the ball against George County during the Port City Bowl on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Harrison Central High in Gulfport.
Gulfport High’s Derick Hall runs the ball against George County during the Port City Bowl on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Harrison Central High in Gulfport. Amanda McCoy File

Hall, who played for the Gulfport Admirals before joining the Auburn Tigers, kicked off the inaugural event in June 2024 for the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation. A primary focus of the foundation is providing services and support for premature babies and their families.

Hall also supports his hometown in other ways. His foundation started a Thanksgiving food drive in 2025 and has served as a sponsor for the Gulf Coast Boys and Girls Club’s school supply and backpack giveaway. In February 2025, he and mom Stacy Gooden-Crandle paid a visit to the Memorial NICU for Valentine’s Day.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 24: Derick Hall #58 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on November 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Derick Hall, who played locally for the Gulfport Admirals, will take the field Sunday, Feb. 8, in Super Bowl LX. Steph Chambers Getty Images

Hall also posted a message on Facebook in late January to let his hometown and surrounding communities know he hasn’t forgotten where he came from. It read:

“Thank You To All My Mississippi Gulf Coast Family For The Unwavering Love & Support! I See The Calls & I See The Text! Can’t Get Back To Everyone Right Now But I Love Yall! Dreaming About This Moment As A Kid & Now Having It, What A Great Feeling! 🖤

“GOT ONE MORE TO GO!”

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Derick Hall #58 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a play against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at Ford Field on September 30, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall celebrates after making a stop against the Detroit Lions during a game in 2024. Nic Antaya Getty Images
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team at Memorial Hospital Gulfport is psyched about NICU graduate Derick Hall’s trip to the Super Bowl on Sunday with the Seattle Seahawks. The 254-pound player weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces when he was born four months early.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team at Memorial Hospital Gulfport is psyched about NICU graduate Derick Hall’s trip to the Super Bowl on Sunday with the Seattle Seahawks. The 254-pound player weighed 2 pounds, 9 ounces when he was born four months early.

This story was originally published February 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM.

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Anita Lee
Sun Herald
601-909-0638
Anita, a Mississippi native, graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and previously worked at the Jackson Daily News and Virginian-Pilot, joining the Sun Herald in 1987. She specializes in in-depth coverage of government, public corruption, transparency and courts. She has won state, regional and national journalism awards, most notably contributing to Hurricane Katrina coverage awarded the 2006 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service. Support my work with a digital subscription
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