Football | 10/24/2023 6:30:00 PM

ITTA BENA, MS - The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced its 2023 SWAC Hall of Fame Class which is set to be enshrined on Friday, December 15th, 2023. The enshrinement ceremony is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. CST at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The 2023 Hall of Fame Honorees includes Mississippi Valley State's Ashley Ambrose, Grambling State's Marie Currie, Alcorn State's Issiac Holt and Charles McClelland Sr.- Legend, Jackson State's Gloster Van Richardson- Legend, and Texas Southern's Eddie Davis- Contributor.

From the moment he stepped onto the grounds of Mississippi Valley State University in 1988, it was clear that the world of college football was about to witness something extraordinary.
 
Ashley Ambrose, a gifted athlete with a heart full of determination, entered Mississippi Valley State University as a young freshman, but it didn't take long for him to make a name for himself on the football field. His arrival at MVSU coincided with a turning point in the team's fortunes, as they embarked on a journey that would etch their names in NCAA history.
 
As a cornerback and a threat to opposing teams in every conceivable way, Ambrose became a one-man show. His agility and speed made him a terror on defense, and his knack for interceptions was nothing short of extraordinary. During the 1989 season, he showcased his talents with five interceptions, a key contribution to MVSU leading the NCAA with 25 total interceptions. His prowess extended beyond interceptions, as his 12 tackles in the same season helped the team set an NCAA record in kick-off coverage, allowing a mere 526 total yards for the season.
 
But Ambrose wasn't content with just being a shutdown cornerback. He wanted to electrify the game, and he did so during the 1990 season. In an epic upset victory over Grambling State, he returned six kicks for a staggering 220 yards, including an 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was a performance that would be etched in the memories of fans and opponents alike.
 
Ambrose's electrifying plays didn't stop there. In the 1991 season, he played a pivotal role in catapulting MVSU to the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA FCS poll. In a thrilling Magnolia Bowl Classic victory over Jackson State, Ambrose's performance was nothing short of heroic, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player. During that same season, he helped MVSU lead the NCAA in punt return yard average.
 
In 1990, Ambrose's excellence was officially recognized when he was crowned the NCAA statistical champion in punt return yard average, with an astounding 17.7 yards per return. His dazzling runs and game-changing plays made him a fan favorite and a symbol of hope for his team.
 
After his illustrious college career, Ambrose's talents couldn't be contained within the college football arena. The NFL beckoned, and the Indianapolis Colts answered the call by selecting him in the 2nd Round (29th overall pick). Over the course of 13 stellar years in the NFL, Ambrose showcased his exceptional skills with the Indianapolis Colts, the New Orleans Saints, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Cincinnati Bengals.
 
His crowning achievement came during the 1996 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Ambrose's eight interceptions during that season were enough to land him on the Associated Press All-Pro Team. He wasn't just an individual standout; he was a key figure in a dominant defense. His peers recognized his brilliance by selecting him as a Pro Bowl starter and honoring him as the NFL Alumni AFC Defensive Back of the Year.
 
Ashley Ambrose's journey from a small town in Mississippi to the grand stages of college and professional football serves as an inspiration to many. He's a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself. The legacy he left behind at Mississippi Valley State and in the NFL is a tale of electrifying performances, thrilling victories, and a name that will forever be synonymous with greatness in the world of football.

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