House Resolution 3

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JACKSON STATE HEAD COACH DEION SANDERS FOR BEING NAMED THE 2021 SWAC COACH OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Jackson State University Head Football Coach, Deion Sanders, was named the 2021 Southwestern Atlantic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year, and he has realized unprecedented success as the football coach for the Tigers, not only winning a SWAC Championship but also developing the young men into strong, determined individuals; and

WHEREAS, in just his second year as the head coach of Jackson State University, despite undergoing foot surgery and being forced to spend several weeks in the hospital and several more with a scooter or wheelchair on the sidelines, Coach Sanders has led his team to a perfect 8-0 in conference games, a 10-1 overall record and their first SWAC East title since 2013; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership, the remarkable Tigers are ranked in the top 15 of the FCS Coaches Poll and are ranked in the top 25 of the Stats FCS Poll; and

WHEREAS, several other stars of the Jackson State Football Team won SWAC awards, including Coach Sanders' sons, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was named SWAC Freshman of the Year, won the Stats Perform FCS Jerry Rice Award, and earned a spot on the All-SWAC Second Team, and defensive back Shilo Sanders, who was named to the All-SWAC Second Team after intercepting three passes and forcing a fumble on the season, and defensive lineman James Houston, who was named SWAC Newcomer of the Year and to the All-SWAC First Team for his dominant season, leading the Tigers with 14.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles; and

WHEREAS, additionally, defensive lineman Antwan Owens, linebacker Aubrey Miller, Jr., and return specialist Isaiah Bolden were all named All-SWAC First Team, and wide receiver Keith Corbin III, offensive lineman Tony Gray and linebacker Keonte Hampton were all named All-SWAC Second Team; and

WHEREAS, born August 9, 1967, Coach Sanders attended Florida State University, where he was recognized as a two-time All-American in football, and also played baseball and ran track, and he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft and played football primarily as a cornerback, but also as a kick returner, punt returner and wide receiver; and

WHEREAS, during his NFL career, Coach Sanders was named to eight Pro Bowls, received first-team All-Pro honors six times, and made consecutive Super Bowl appearances in Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers and Super Bowl XXX with the Cowboys, winning both, and he was inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011; and

WHEREAS, the focused, resolute and detail-oriented Coach Sanders exponentially influences each of his players with his determination, ambition and intellect, and his elite status in the football profession is truly exhibited through his recognition as the 2021 SWAC Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the nurturing presence that Coach Sanders has in each of his players' lives has proven to be an irreplaceable benefit with each passing day, as he has transformed each of them into the championship caliber athletes they are today, broadened their knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution and equipped each of them to realize their full potential, reach their goals and achieve greatness; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the selflessness and benevolence of fine Mississippi coaches, especially those such as Jackson State Head Coach Deion Sanders, an exhilarating combination of proficient football expertise and sincerity who radiates excellence and inspires all those who have the opportunity to learn and flourish under his tutelage to be better than the day before:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jackson State Head Coach Deion Sanders for being named the 2021 SWAC Coach of the Year, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Deion Sanders and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.