MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2002 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Broomfield, Coleman (65th), Dickson, Evans, Flaggs, Fredericks, Gibbs, Green, Harrison, Holloway, Myers, Scott (80th), Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Straughter, Wallace, West
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING TERRELL BUCKLEY ON HIS SUPER BOWL APPEARANCE WITH THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 16, 2002, AS TERRELL BUCKLEY DAY IN THE CITY OF PASCAGOULA.
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2002, Pascagoula native, Terrell Buckley, who appeared in Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3, 2002, with the New England Patriots, will be recognized in the City of Pascagoula by this day being set aside in honor of his remarkable accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, born June 7, 1971, to Eddie and Laura Buckley in Pascagoula, Terrell exhibited, from an early age, the potential to be a dynamic athlete; and
WHEREAS, Terrell, receiving his formal education in the public school system of Jackson County, Mississippi, established a notable reputation throughout his school years; and
WHEREAS, being rated as the nation's top defensive back as a senior in high school, Terrell was the only player to earn first-team All-State honors as both a junior and senior, setting a school record with 30 interceptions, seven of which he returned for touchdowns, and averaging 30 yards per punt return with seven touchdowns; and
WHEREAS, upon graduating from high school in 1989, Terrell, a distant cousin of Walter Payton, attended Florida State University, majoring in theater and earning a minor in political science; and
WHEREAS, continuing to set records and make history, Terrell was a two-year starter and three-year letterman at FSU, leaving in 1991 as the school's all-time leader in interceptions with 21, and interception returns for 501 yards, which set a National College Athletic Association record; and
WHEREAS, Terrell tied the FSU record for touchdowns of interception returns and punt returns, leading the nation as defensive back with 12 interceptions for 238 yards and two touchdowns; and
WHEREAS, enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance, Terrell received numerous honors, including: the 1991 Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's top defensive back; his being named the 1991 Consensus All-American; and the Associated Press second-team All-American for 1990; and
WHEREAS, Terrell began his professional football career after being the fifth pick in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, where he remained for three seasons, adorned with the recognizable Number 27 jersey, before being signed as a free agent to the Miami Dolphins in 1995; and
WHEREAS, before being signed as a veteran free agent with the New England Patriots in 2001, Terrell also contributed his talents to the Denver Broncos during the 2000 season; and
WHEREAS, Terrell, having contributed to several key plays in 2001 that led to New England's 11-5 overall record, which landed them a spot in the AFC Playoffs and ultimately the NFL Super Bowl, is now experiencing the joy that only comes with a Super Bowl victory of 20-17 over the St. Louis Rams; and
WHEREAS, in striving diligently to obtain each athletic accolade that has made him a distinctive professional football player, Terrell has been supported by his family: wife, Denise; daughters, Sherrell, Brianna and Brettney; parents, Eddie and Laura Buckley; sister, Jennifer; and a host of other relatives, friends and fans; and
WHEREAS, Terrell, who also enjoys golfing, baseball and basketball, currently resides in Plantation, Florida, where he has fervently contributed his time and service to the local Broward County Boys and Girls Club and participated in events benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Habitat For Humanity, "Feed the Children" Campaign and his own charitable endeavor, the "T-Buck Foundation"; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend distinguished Mississippians such as Terrell Buckley, who, through his highly successful career as a professional football player and Super Bowl Champion, has brought national recognition and great pride to his family and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Terrell Buckley on his Super Bowl appearance with the 2002 NFL Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots, and recognize March 16, 2002, as "Terrell Buckley Day" in the City of Pascagoula.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Terrell Buckley, Eddie and Laura Buckley, and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.