It’s been nearly 25 years since Mississippi defensive back Chucky Mullins was paralyzed while making a tackle on Vanderbilt’s Brad Gaines in 1989.
Less than two years later, following an inspiring return to school, he died from a blood clot.
His story left a lasting impression on the Mississippi program and campus. But perhaps no one was affected more than Gaines, who still visits Mullins’ grave three times a year in Russellville, Alabama, to remember a “selfless and genuine” friend.
The Rebels face Vanderbilt on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee, in a season where remembrances of Mullins are everywhere.
During the weekend of the Sept. 27 game against Memphis, the school is renaming a street after Mullins, and the winners of an award named in his memory have been invited back to campus.
