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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Kevin Thomas Named 2001 Chucky Mullins Courage Award Winner
3/30/2001 | Football
March 30, 2001
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss linebacker Kevin Thomas of Courtland, Miss., has been selected as the 2001 recipient of the Chucky Mullins Courage Award.
The award, sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, honors the late Chucky Mullins, who had his Ole Miss career come to an end during the 1989 Homecoming game against Vanderbilt when he was paralyzed after making a tackle. After returning to his studies at Ole Miss, Mullins passed away on May 6, 1991.
The Chucky Mullins Courage Award goes to a rising senior defensive player at Ole Miss. Each winner then wears Mullins' No. 38 during that senior season.
Thomas, who played his high school football at South Panola in nearby Batesville, Miss., has worn No. 39 during his first three years with the Rebels. He will be in No. 38 Saturday afternoon when Ole Miss completes spring football drills with the annual Red-Blue game, set for 1:00 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field.
The selection of Thomas was announced during Friday night's 12th annual Chucky Mullins Courage Award Banquet, which is sponsored each year by Alpha Tau Omega and Phi Beta Sigma fraternities.
"Kevin Thomas is the epitome of a team player," said Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe. "He is certainly a winner on and off the field. All the former winners and current Ole Miss players can take great pride in this selection. I know Chucky Mullins would be proud that Kevin Thomas will help carry on his legacy at Ole Miss."
During his first three seasons at Ole Miss, Thomas has earned three letters while being credited with 78 total tackles, including three hits behind the line of scrimmage for a minus 14 yards. He has also recorded two pass interceptions, had one quarterback sack, caused two fumbles, recovered one fumble, knocked down four passes, and had five QB pressures.
"I feel so honored to win this award," Thomas said. "I will wear No. 38 respectfully and proudly. This is a very special honor, and I would also like to thank my coaching staff and my teammates."
Thomas joins 11 other former Ole Miss Rebels to receive the Chucky Mullins Courage Award. They include Chris Mitchell, Jeff Carter, Trea Southerland, Johnny Dixon, Alundis Brice, Michael Lowery, Derek Jones, Nate Wayne, Gary Thigpen, Ronnie Heard, and Anthony Magee.
