MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Brown, Turner, Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Carmichael, Mettetal, Browning, Burton, Chaney, Clarke, Dearing, Harden, Hyde-Smith, King, Little, Thames, Walls, Williamson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CAREER OF TOM GOODE, HEAD FOOTBALL COACH OF EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND CONGRATULATING HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Tom Goode, twelfth-year Head Football Coach and Athletic Director of East Mississippi Community College, is a former Mississippi State University All-American and National Football League standout; and
WHEREAS, a native of West Point, Mississippi, Goode starred at Mississippi State University as a Center and Linebacker from 1957-1960, earning Kodak All-American honors following his senior campaign. A three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection (1958-1960), Goode capped off his stellar collegiate career with appearances in three post-season all-star games: the Blue-Gray Game in 1960 and the Senior Bowl and All-American games of 1961; and
WHEREAS, a second-round draft pick of the Houston Oilers of the American Football League, Goode starred for four seasons as a Center and Linebacker for the Oilers before moving to the Miami Dolphins in 1966; and
WHEREAS, he was named the Dolphin's Most Valuable Player in 1967, and the team's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 1966 and 1969. He was named All-Pro in 1969 and played in 152 consecutive games during his career, which concluded with a one-year stint with the Baltimore Colts in 1970. His professional career ended on a storybook note, as he helped lead the Colts to victory in Super Bowl V in what was his last professional game; and
WHEREAS, following his playing career, Goode enjoyed a successful coaching career as an Offensive Assistant at four Southeastern Conference schools: Mississippi State (1972-1975, 1984-1989), Vanderbilt (1977, 1990), Ole Miss (1978-1982) and Alabama (1983); and
WHEREAS, Goode was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Mississippi State Hall of Fame in 1976. He was named the Mississippi Sportsman of the Year in 1974, elected "Mr. Mississippi State," and was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1961. In 1996 he received the All-American Football Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and in 1998 he received the All-American Football Foundation Unsung Hero Award. He has also written an autobiography Guts, God and the Superbowl; and
WHEREAS, he is married to the former Sonia Foster and the couple has five children: Less Belk, Sandy May, Tom Goode, Jr., Brin Foster and Michael Goode, and seven grandchildren; they are active members of the Emon Baptist Church and local civic organizations; and
WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the career of this professional athlete and educator who has brought honor to his school, his community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the professional and educational career of Tom Goode, Sr., Head Football Coach of East Mississippi Community College, and congratulate him and his family on the occasion of his retirement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Tom Goode and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.