Former Ole Miss legend Deuce McCallister discusses the intensity of the Egg Bowl matchup

Former Ole Miss running back Deuce McCallister was one of the greatest players to ever suit up in Oxford. Once he hung his cleats up for the Rebels, he shattered several school records and stamped his name on six major stat categories for their running backs: carries (616), yards (3,060), rushing touchdowns (36), total touchdowns (41), points (246), and 100-yard games (13). During Thursday night’s Thanksgiving matchup between Mississippi and Mississippi State — McCallister delivered a pre-recorded message during the ESPN broadcast. He shared his thoughts on the intensity of the Egg Bowl rivalry.

Deuce McCallister discussed the intensity of Egg Bowl

“Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Deuce McCallister here. Former running back for the Ole Miss Rebels. And just wanted to tell you how intense this game is, obviously for the players and fans. It’s one that is of great importance. I mean, talk about from the state of Mississippi. You know a lot of other players on that team. So, it may not have the national pub as some of those other rivalry games, but it’s one that you definitely get fired up for. So, obviously, you know who I’m pulling for. I hope for a clean, safe game for each side. I can’t wait to see those Rebels get out there and play,” McCallister said.

Then he also gave a shoutout to an Ole Miss player who was having his jersey retired.

“And then I also have to give a shoutout to Ben Williams. He’s having his jersey retired. Ben. Fantastic player at Ole Miss and for Ole Miss. Shoutout to Ben Williams. But, I’m pulling for those Rebels tonight,” McCallister said.

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.

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. In August of 2021, McCallister joined ESPN as an on-air college football analyst.