ITTA BENA -- There will be a special guest in the building next Tuesday when Mississippi Valley State hosts its annual athletics banquet.
Former NFL running back Deuce McAllister will serve as the guest speaker April 30 during the MVSU Athletics Banquet at the Harrison HPER Complex gymnasium. The event is slated to begin at 6 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased for $10.
During the banquet, MVSU will recognize athletes from its 15 sports along with several special awards including Female and Male Student Athlete of the Year, Female and Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and the Michael Archie Inspirational Award.
About Deuce McAllister
McAllister attended the University of Mississippi where he had a record-breaking career for the Rebels. He is the only player in Ole Miss history to record three seasons with at least 1,000 all-purpose yards. In 2000, McAllister won the Conerly Trophy, which is awarded to the top collegiate football player. He finished his college career at Ole Miss with records for carries (616), yards (3,060), rushing TDs (36), total touchdowns (41), points (246) and 100-yard games (13). During the summer before his senior season, the criminal justice major studied abroad in Costa Rica while Ole Miss and the state of Mississippi was campaigning him for the Heisman Trophy.
In 2001, McAllister was selected with the 23rd overall pick by the New Orleans Saints. He went on to rush for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons -- a first in Saints history. He was the first Saints running back with 22 100-yard games, including franchise-record nine straight contests in 2003.
McAllister retired from the NFL in January 2010. However, he had to make history one final time. On January 15, 2010, he was resigned by the Saints as the the team went on to win Super Bowl XLIV.
He created the Catch 22 Foundation in 2002, which is dedicated to enhancing the lives of under-privileged youth in the gulf south region. Since 2002, McAllister and his foundation have supported families in Mississippi and Louisiana by providing meals for families on Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping adventures for children, and educational trips through the Deuceday Program.
McAllister is part-owner of the King Edward Hotel project and part-owner of Mac & Bones miniature golf.
