Ole Miss legend Deuce McCallister hired by ESPN

An Ole Miss football legend is making his way back into the spotlight for college football fans across the country. On Monday it was confirmed by ESPN per the Daily Journal’s Parrish Alford that former Rebels running back Deuce McCallister is joining the company’s on air crew as a college football analyst.

McCallister will be calling games in the fall for the SEC Network. His first assignment has not yet been announced. You can see ESPN’s full line-up of on-air talent for Week 1 of the college football season here.

A football legend at Ole Miss

Dulymus (Deuce) McCallister finished his career in Oxford, Mississippi by not only running his way into the Ole Miss record books but into the hearts of Rebel fans everywhere. During his time at Ole Miss, McCallister became the only player in the history of the program to run for over 1,000 all-purpose yards in three straight seasons. In 1999, he won the Conerly Trophy, given to the top player in the state of Mississippi.

Once he hung his cleats up at Ole Miss, he shattered several school records in the process and stamped his name on six major stat categories for running backs: carries (616), yards (3,060), rushing touchdowns (36), total touchdowns (41), points (246), and 100-yard games (13).

Setting records with the Saints

McCallister had no problems finding success in the National Football League as well; he was drafted 23rd overall in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints franchise.

Much like he won over Mississippi fans in college, McCallister won over New Orleans fans as well with his dynamic play on the field. He became the first Saints running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. He was the first Saints running back with 22 100 yard games.

In his first year as a starter with the Saints he led the conference with 1,388 rushing yards, scored 16 touchdowns, and was voted to the Pro Bowl. Once he finished his time in New Orleans, McCallister had been just as wildly successful he was in the NFL as he was in college. He still holds the Saints all-time franchise record for most career rushing yards (6,096) and rushing touchdowns (55).

He retired from the National Football League in January of 2010. McCallister has earned several awards for his service to the communities in Mississippi and Louisiana. In 2010, he received the Army Community Award for the amount of time and energy he has dedicated to the communities of both states.

He was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ole Miss football kicks off their 2021 football season against Louisville in Oxford, Mississippi. The game will be on Monday, September 6th.