House Resolution 132

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE REMARKABLE ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY SERVICE OF NICHOLAS ANDERSON UPON BEING NAMED THE 2024 MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE OF THE CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi House of Representatives is pleased to recognize the extraordinary achievements of Nicholas Anderson, a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, whose unwavering faith, athletic excellence, and dedication to service have earned him the title of 2024 Most Outstanding Rookie in the Canadian Football League (CFL); and

WHEREAS, born prematurely 25 years ago to Emmarie Flaggs, Nicholas overcame overwhelming odds to become a beacon of resilience and success, shaped by an early foundation rooted in faith, family, learning, and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Anderson first discovered his passion for football as a young YMCA athlete, which, when combined with academic diligence, propelled him to graduate with a 4.61 GPA and rank third in his 2018 Vicksburg High School class of 221 students, while also garnering accolades such as First Team All-State, District Most Valuable Linebacker and back-to-back County Defensive Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, after initially attending Jones Junior College where he maintained a 4.0 GPA and was named All-State, All-Conference, and a Junior College All-American, Nicholas transferred to Tulane University, continuing his academic and athletic distinction, and graduating Cum Laude in May 2022 with a 3.5 GPA; and

WHEREAS, his collegiate career was marked by an array of honors including the Stephen Martin Scholar Award, multiple All-Conference selections, and recognition as Tulane's 2023 Male Teammate of the Year, along with earning the Cotton Bowl Scholar-Athlete Award; and

WHEREAS, after completing a professional opportunity with the New Orleans Saints following the 2023 NFL draft, Nicholas transitioned to the CFL, where during his rookie season with the Edmonton Elks, he recorded 116 total tackles, setting a franchise record and achieving the second-highest rookie total in CFL history, alongside 3 sacks, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles, leading to his selection as the CFL's 2024 Most Outstanding Rookie and as a member of the All-CFL and CFL West All-Star teams; and

WHEREAS, beyond the field, Mr. Anderson is a committed advocate for underserved populations, focusing his community efforts on supporting homeless individuals and mentoring fatherless youth through his platform "F.A.1.T.H." (Furthering Athletes 1st Through Hope), while also authoring the workbook, Practicing Detachment in Sports, to inspire athletes to cultivate purpose beyond athletics; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House or Representatives to recognize individuals of Nicholas' esteemed caliber, whose life, legacy and mission serve as an embodiment of discipline, humility, purpose and profound faith as he continues to bring honor to the State of Mississippi through his professional achievements and compassionate outreach:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Mr. Nicholas Anderson upon being named the 2024 Most Outstanding Rookie of the Canadian Football League, and extend best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors both on and off the field.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Nicholas Anderson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.