His name was Roy Lee "Chucky" Mullins

His name was Roy Lee Mullins. We simply know him as Chucky. As a read the news release from the University of Mississippi on renaming Coliseum Drive in honor of Chucky, I immediately thought of my grandfather. Looking down upon us, my grandfather is smiling, as he should be.

Chucky, as many of you know, grew up in nearby Russellville, Ala. He chose to play football at Ole Miss because that was the only school that gave him the opportunity. Money? He had very little. Family? He had caregivers and what a wonderful job they would do. Love, compassion, pride, respect and dignity? There aren’t enough words to type how much he had.

Chucky Mullins “is” the epitome of what Ole Miss is and should strive to be.

This fall it will be 25-years. That warm Saturday, I sat in Section H, Row 12, Seat 4 and watched my life change. After the hit was administered, I watched them remove the facemask. My dad clinched my hand and winced. “It’s bad.” he told me. “Why dad? How do you know?” I asked. “I just do son, “ he said shaking his head. 

My father was a high school football coach. After the previous Friday night games, no matter if it were a win or a loss and very little sleep, he took me to games. He knew I loved college football. Off to the stadium we would go. This was a trip we would never be the same. It shook us both. 

After play resumed, you could feel the tension. A few minutes later, you heard the helicopter. People were looking at it. Many were weeping. To this day, I think of that moment when I hear the propellers of a helicopter in the air. 

A few weeks later, my grandfather took me to another home game. He has long since passed away but I remember when they were passing buckets around to donate to our Chucky who wasn’t doing well. The bills were mounting and he was struggling. My grandfather reached in his pocket and grabbed more cash than I have ever seen and dropped it in. He was emotional. “Papaw, that is a lot of money,” I said. With a big smile, he looked down at me and said, “One day you’ll understand. I love you, son.”

After learning that Chucky would be honored by having a street named for him, I understood what my grandfather meant. Never mind the street designation or the bust the players touch on game day or his number that is awarded each year to the top player, he means so much more to this University.

I recently read another release from the University of Mississippi about what to expect in the future, in regards to race relations and the proactive approach and stance that Ole Miss is taking. I understand positions within the University will be created to aid in this process. I fully support this, anytime the University is being proactive. Essentially the release pointed out that using _The University of Mississippi_ when concerning academics, would be better suited. The term _Ole Miss_ will be geared more toward athletics. This decision by Chancellor Dan Jones is one I believe will only enhance the brand throughout the state of Mississippi and all points throughout the world.

Let’s be honest, a person in the northwest not associated with athletics probably would not recognize Ole Miss but would recognize the University of Mississippi. Again, a great move by all parties but I’m not sure all fans understand this move or its context. 

Director of Athletics Ross Bjork has made it emphatically clear the name “Ole Miss” and “Rebels” is not going anywhere in regards to athletics. I’m not sure it can be any clearer.

As for the University of Mississippi, I have a solution. Rather than pen releases and circle focus groups, let’s talk to our own. Let’s embrace one another, regardless of all of the proverbial obstacles. 

Brad Gaines, the Vanderbilt full back that was involved with the Mullins accident, was decimated. Per the instruction of his coaches and teammates, he was told not to visit Chucky in the hospital. 

He didn’t listen.

When, he got to the hospital, he was surrounded by Ole Miss family and friends. He went to Chucky’s room. He didn’t know what to say. 

He was speechless.

Chucky wasn’t. 

Gaines leaned down and Chucky quietly spoke the words, “It’s not your fault.”

Simply pure, unadulterated courage.

A young man who had no material things in money, cars or clothes had more integrity and heart than most people could fathom. 

To Chucky, color didn’t matter.  

This is what my grandfather was referring to. Love always wins.

Just as Ole Miss is continuing to do, my solution is to honor one of the greatest people to wear the uniform. He led Ole Miss in 1989 and as we sit in 2014, he is more prevalent than he was then. 

Chucky Mullins is the perfect example of what Ole Miss should strive to be.