What Willie Gay Jr. said about Super Bowls, Saints on honorary day at Mississippi State
STARKVILLE — Greg Knox remembers sitting in a recruiting meeting when the Mississippi State football staff was discussing a local recruit. From Starkville High School, Willie Gay Jr. was among the nation’s top linebackers in the 2017 class, and the Bulldogs wanted him to stay home.
Knox, then working as a running backs coach and special teams coordinator for former coach Dan Mullen, had watched Gay rush for more than 250 yards per game across the final three games of his high school career. So he made his pitch in that meeting.
“I’ll take Willie at running back,” Knox told them.
The reaction among the coaches: What?!
His idea was quickly shot down.
“We all knew Willie was going to play linebacker,” Knox said. It was clearly the right decision.
Knox was able to share that story while speaking to a crowd gathered for the inaugural Willie Gay Jr. Day on Mississippi State’s campus. Moving forward, that’s how March 28 will be labeled at MSU in honor of the storied career Gay had with the Bulldogs and continues to have in the NFL.
“I’m thankful,” Gay told the crowd through emotions. “To be up here, man – I really don’t know much else to say. Thank you. I promise to continue to – I won’t be perfect, but I promise to continue to represent Starkville, Mississippi, in a good way whether it’s in the NFL or life.”
Willie Gay Jr. reflects on time with Chiefs
Gay helped the Kansas City Chiefs complete a rare feat in February, securing a second-consecutive Super Bowl title with an overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers. A month later, his first move in the NFL brought him closer to home.
The New Orleans Saints announced their signing of Gay to a one-year contract on March 13.
The Chiefs took Gay in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In four seasons under coach Andy Reid, Gay started 47 games and collected 233 tackles.
“It meant a lot,” Gay said of his time in Kansas City. “Two Super Bowls – there’s going to be a lot of guys who play in the league that don’t even get there. I’m blessed and thankful.”
A student in a Dak Prescott Cowboys jersey asked Willie Gay Jr. what it’s like to win the Super Bowl. Another student asked if Patrick Mahomes was the best QB in the NFL.
@WillieG___ ran with it, of course. https://t.co/EST2TbghWapic.twitter.com/x8UOqbzzeM— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) March 1, 2023
In Kansas City, Gay got to play alongside fellow Mississippi State product and five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones.
“I wish he was here today,” Gay said. “… It was amazing. Two Mississippi guys – we worked together so well on and off the field. We were best friends almost. He’s a good dude.”
Why Willie Gay Jr. signed with the Saints
Gay had offers from Michigan, LSU and Ole Miss, among others, out of high school. Knox reflected on the nerves that came with recruiting a player with those options.
However, amid any angst, Gay’s mother − Bridgett Ware – would reassure Knox.
“She kept me level,” Knox said.
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Family has remained an important part of Gay’s journey, and many of his relatives were in attendance for the ceremony. They’ll also have more opportunities to catch Gay in action as he makes the move to New Orleans.
“I’m very excited to be closer to home,” Gay said. “Even more excited for a new opportunity. Start fresh.”
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Willie Gay Jr. on Chiefs' Super Bowls, signing with Saints
